‘It’s very welcome’: Three new EV charging stations proposed for Leitrim town
Plans for three dual EV charging stations at Ballinamore’s Railway Road Car Park have entered Part 8 consultation, with construction expected later this year if approved.
A proposal for the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in South Leitrim has entered the Part 8 public consultation stage.
Submissions made on the proposed development until September 10. The development is proposed for the Railway Road Car Park in Ballinamore and includes the installation of three dual EV charging stations.
The required civil works include trenches, ducting, RC base plinths, kerb realignment, an ESB meter box, mini pillars, bollards and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), if required.
One of the chargers is designed for short-duration rapid charging, while the others are intended for slow daytime and overnight charging.
The layout has been designed to align with Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland Universal Design Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure.
In a report, the Council stated that the aim of the development is to provide accessible, reliable public charging to support the growing demand for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging in Ballinamore.
As part of the EV Charging Strategy and Implementation Plan (Draft), Ballinamore has been identified for both neighbourhood charging and multiuser need charging, which are expected to achieve high demand and utilisation.
If approved, construction is expected to take place in Q4 of this year. The Council has also stated that the plan aligns with the objectives of the Leitrim County Development Plan 2023-2029.
Local councillor Gary Prior has welcomed the proposal reaching the public consultation stage.
“I’m delighted to see that a proposal for the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at The Square Car Park in Ballinamore has now gone out to Part 8 public consultation,” said Cllr Prior.
“This is something I have raised on numerous occasions, as I believe having reliable public EV charging facilities is increasingly important for Ballinamore, both for local residents and for people visiting our town,” he added.
“Importantly, funding has already been secured for the project. The next step is to progress through the required planning stages, including the current Part 8 process.
“It’s very welcome to see this moving forward, and I look forward to seeing the proposal progress through planning and, hopefully, on to delivery,” said Cllr Prior.
Plans are on public display at the Planning Office at Leitrim County Council, Carrick on Shannon, until August 26.