COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 09, 2023

QUESTION NO. 14

QUESTION: Councillor M. Lynch

Can the manager outline the Council's policy on individual householders who wish to install EV charging points on public footpaths where no other options are available to the householder?

REPLY:

Currently the Council does not have an adopted policy position on this issue. However, work is underway to develop this. SDCC is working with our neighbouring Dublin Authorities on developing consistent policy and guidance in relationship to the management of EV charging infrastructure in Public Realm locations.

Specifically addressing the question raised, it is true to say the this Council currently has concerns surrounding the installation of EV infrastructure across public footpaths. These concerns include:

• The issue of satisfactory reinstatement of the public footpath.
• The problem of allowing private infrastructure within a Local Authority footpath.
• The installation of charging units within the public realm causing restricted footpath width and possible trip hazards.
• Ownership issues – does the customer actually owns the parking space that they wish to convert to an EV space?    If the parking space is a shared parking space then it cannot be taken over by individuals as their personal parking and charging space.

In summary, there are several important safety and public realm management issues that the Councils must address in the granting of EV charging infrastructure across and within Public Realm areas.

These are complex issues and SDCC is keen to develop consistent and practical guidance in this policy area.

It is hoped that this agreed guidance will be developed shortly.