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A recent survey developed by Transport Research Partners in association with the FASTER Project partnership examined the attitudes of motorists and road users across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland (Border Region) and Western Scotland to the the usage of electric and low emission vehicles. 1,485 responses were received, with 52% of all respondents indicating that they were considering the switch to an electric vehicle when making their next vehicle purchase.
A project supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the FASTER Project has received funding of €6.47 million to install 73 rapid (50 KW capacity minimum) charging stations across the project regions before May 2023 to help ease motorist concerns in respect of the public charging infrastructure provision. Match-funding for the project has also been provided by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, the Department for Transport in Ireland and Transport Scotland
98% of drivers responding to the public survey reported having regular access to a private vehicle, with over a third of this surveyed currently owning a Battery Electric, Plug In Hybrid or Mild Hybrid vehicle. Key factors influencing survey respondents use of electric vehicles included the performance of the vehicles in comparison to traditional petrol and diesel powered engines, their benefits for the environment and the health of the motorist and the increasing availability of used electric vehicles on the market.
However, despite the growth in sales of electric and low emission vehicles in recent months, key concerns remain, particularly around the range and purchase cost of the vehicles. 88% of motorists reflected that the range capabilities of electric vehicles was a major factor in their decision making process. Motorists responding to the survey claimed that they would require vehicles to achieve a range of 240 miles on a single charge, despite findings that the average daily journey of those surveyed was just over 13 miles. The purchase price of electric vehicles when compared to traditionally fuelled vehicles was also of concern to 86% of motorists.
The FASTER Project will address concern over public charging infrastructure. 95% of all those questioned as part of the survey believe that the existing public charging infrastructure is insufficient, and infrastructure requirements forecast that up to 700 charging points will need to be installed each day across the UK to support the government’s target of banning the sale of all new petrol and diesel engine vehicles in 2030.
Reflecting on the survey results, Donal Monaghan, Faster Project Officer at South West College said:
‘This survey provides a very clear demonstration that there is a growing acceptance of electric and low emission vehicles across the programme regions. Motorists are seeing the benefits that these vehicles can bring but there remains a number of barriers affecting electric vehicle uptake, including cost, range anxiety and the current public charging provision.
With the role out of the FASTER Project infrastructure supported by a number of educational and awareness building campaigns, the project partners hope that we can alleviate the concerns of motorists and help them recognise that the benefits of electric vehicles will outweigh the challenges referenced.’
James Cooper, Transport Research Partners added:
“The level of engagement and open discussion supported by this survey will have a tangible effect in understanding and focusing knowledge on electric vehicles and the supporting infrastructure and will provide significant benefits for the FASTER Project and its activities moving forward.”
Further information about the FASTER Project is now available at www.fasterevcharge.com
The FASTER Project will provide much needed electric vehicle charging infrastructure with the installation of 73 Rapid Charging Points across Northern Ireland, the border counties of Ireland and Western Scotland with €6.4 million funding under the EU INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the SEUPB.
The project will help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by encouraging increased use of more environmentally-friendly forms of transport and also seeks to address some of the barriers to greater public uptake of electric vehicles. It is timely that the FASTER Project is being officially launched on “World EV Day” which is a global movement, a day of celebration of emobility, and a day to shift the transition to sustainable transport with consumer, business and policy outcomes.
The FASTER EV charging network will be installed on a phased basis over the next 18 months supported by a series of public awareness and community engagement events, promotional campaigns and initiatives to address public concerns with existing charging infrastructure and producing materials to support the transition to low emission vehicles.
The project is being led by East Border Region, a local authority led cross border organization, in partnership with a cross border consortium which includes; Ulster University, South West College, University of Strathclyde, HiTrans, Louth County Council and Dundalk Institute of Technology. The Consortium are also working with a range of Local Authorities across the three jurisdictions to identify suitable locations for this much needed infrastructure which will help revolutionise public charging for Electric Vehicles.
Match-funding for the project has also been provided by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department for Transport, Tourism and Sport in Ireland.
Welcoming the project the Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon said:
“I am extremely pleased to be able to deliver match funding to support the FASTER Project in delivering more infrastructure for electric vehicles across these islands. I am committed to supporting the transition to electric vehicles as part of the wider decarbonisation of transport and to working to help deliver a change in the way we travel that also helps us to tackle the climate crisis.”
Welcoming the project, Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan said: “Electric vehicles play a vital role in decarbonising our transport sector. The rollout of 73 rapid charging stations, as part of the EU INTERREG VA programme, will further incentivise the switch away from fossil fuel vehicles and will benefit drivers across all three jurisdictions. We look forward to working with SEUPB and our Partners in the implementation of this project.”
Welcoming the project, Scotland’s Minister for Transport Minister Graeme Dey said:
‘I am delighted that Scotland will receive 24 rapid electric vehicle chargers through the FASTER project. It is an excellent example of cross-border collaboration, knowledge sharing, and developing best practice.
“This step supports Scotland’s ambition to phase out the need for new petrol or diesel cars and vans by 2030.
“By continuing to provide access to EV chargers in rural areas and on a cross border basis, we are accelerating the transition to zero emission electric vehicles, helping us collectively respond to the climate emergency and improve air quality.”
Outlining the importance of the project, Gina McIntyre Chief Executive of the SEUPB said: “Transport, on both sides of the border, is dominated by car usage, which is only increasing as our population grows. This is not sustainable as the stark realities of irreversible climate change are becoming more and more evident across the world.
“This new EU INTERREG VA-funded project will create a readily accessible cross-border infrastructure that will encourage increased use of electric vehicles. It will help to address many of the issues that discourage people from using this form of transport and contribute to a reduction in harmful carbon emissions that have such a negative impact upon our environment. I really look forward to hearing how this very important cross-border partnership progresses over the coming months ahead.”
Speaking at the official launch of the FASTER Project, Cllr Kyle Savage Chairman of East Border Region stated: “East Border Region are delighted to be Lead Partner on this innovative project which will provide much needed EV charging infrastructure across the three jurisdictions. This project clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of cross border collaboration between a range of key stakeholders, and the benefits to be gained by adopting a strategic approach to sustainable infrastructure development”
Further information about the FASTER Project will be available from a dedicated website and social media channels scheduled to launch this September, but until then regular updates will be available from the South West College website and Facebook page.
To view a recording of the launch event please click below.
https://vimeo.com/588923193
EBR Charter Launch live recording available to view
Please see below a link to view the recording of the EBR Charter Launch which took place on 23rd June 2021 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry with keynote speakers N.I. Finance Minister Mr Conor Murphy MLA and R.O.I. Minister for Defence Mr Simon Conveney T.D.
https://vimeo.com/565512512
East Border Region are delighted that a longstanding priority for EBR is now coming to fruition! The Republic of Ireland Government has announced €3m in funding to progress work on the cross-border Narrow Water Bridge, which will link the Mourne mountains area with the Cooley peninsula. Narrow Water Bridge is an iconic project which will act as a catalyst for economic development in our region.
The money from the Shared Island Fund will see the project brought to tender stage, based on the current design of the bridge and existing planning permission.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said further funding will be allocated from the Shared Island Fund once the due diligence process has been completed and the final costs of the project are determined.
Planning permission is in place for a 280-metre cable-stayed bridge, anchored by two towers at either end, for car and cycle traffic.
The proposed bridge would connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway in Co Down with the R173 at Omeath in Co Louth and would have the ability to allow for passage of vessels through and on to the Newry Canal.
Mr Martin said: “I am delighted that work on the Narrow Water Bridge is now progressing, supported by funding from the Shared Island Fund.
“This project was first proposed decades ago, and has been a long-standing and highly symbolic Government commitment, as reflected in the Stormont House-Fresh Start and New Decade New Approach agreements.
“I am determined that the repeated commitment to build the Narrow Water Bridge will now be delivered upon.”
Mr Martin continued: “The bridge will link the Mourne Mountains and Cooley peninsula, providing huge tourism and connectivity boosts in the east border region, and will act as a key enabler for improved cross-border active travel and recreation activities including the development of greenways, walking trails and park amenities.
“The Narrow Water Bridge is a true all-island project, with strong cross-party political support north and south. It will open up new and exciting opportunities, with huge potential for the local and wider economy.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien added: “The Narrow Water Bridge has been a Government priority for many years and I am very pleased that through the Shared Island Fund, this project can now begin in earnest.
“Local authorities in the east border region have played a key role in advocating for the Narrow Water Bridge over the past five decades, recognising the huge symbolic, economic and social importance of the project to the people living there.”
Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon said: “I am delighted to welcome this long-awaited progress on the iconic Narrow Water Bridge. The Narrow Water Bridge brings with it the potential for huge opportunities for tourism and connectivity to the local area of Carlingford Lough and right across our island.
“Today’s announcement of funding will be crucial in moving the project forward and getting delivery on the ground.”
Subject to all the required processes, construction of the project is expected to begin in 2023.
On Wednesday 23rd June 202 the official launch of the East Border Region Charter took place in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. This was a very successful hybrid event with 50 people attending in person, and 150 joining online.
This Innovative Charter for Cross border cooperation in the East Border Region takes account of the fact that the UK is no longer a member of the European Union, sets out the parameters for cross border cooperation between the six member authorities North and South and outlines future regional cross border priorities.
In 2021 EBR celebrates 45 years of cross border Local Authority led cooperation and is one of the longest established cross border local authority led groups in Europe. EBR is currently involved in the implementation of INTERREG VA Projects to the value of €104 million.
Speaking at the event the Chairman of EBR Cllr Kyle Savage stated: “The EBR Charter is elected member led and represents a renewed mandate for EBR to be a principal mechanism for continued cross border cooperation between the six member Local Authorities. The Local Authority Declaration of Commitment outlined in the Charter states:
‘We the member authorities of the East Border Region hereby declare our joint commitment to continue to work together to address the issues arising from the Ireland/N Ireland border in order to protect and improve the prosperity of the citizens of the Region and the public and private services that they can access.’
Cllr Savage also acknowledged the funding from the Reconciliation Fund which enabled the development of the Charter.
Both Minister Simon Coveney and Minister Conor Murphy gave keynote addresses at the event.
Minister Murphy stated “EBR has a 20 year track record in delivering cross border EU funding and is currently involved in a number of INTERREG projects. EBR has always been an organisation that leads on cross border co-operation, and it is timely that the EBR Charter reaffirms and refreshes the organisations mission in light of Brexit, and the ongoing commitment of the six member local authorities to cross border co-operation”
In his keynote address Minister Coveney stated “I am very pleased that the Reconciliation Fund has provided support for the development of the EBR Charter, EBR has a long and proud history of practical cross border co-operation for the benefit of the citizens of the region, and has done invaluable work in terms of capacity building between elected members, council officials and key stakeholders. EBR is a first-class example of cross border regional co-operation and it needs to be supported and enhanced”
In her address Pamela Arthurs, Chief Executive, outlined the proposed implementation of the EBR Charter along thematic lines and pointed to the forthcoming €1 billion PEACE PLUS Programme as an exciting opportunity to implement practical cross border co-operation projects. The key themes include:
The EU’s INTERREG VA Programme will invest approximately €6.4m/£5.8m in a new electric vehicle charging project called ‘FASTER’, which will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels by encouraging increased use of more environmentally-friendly forms of transport.
The project recognises that one of the main barriers to greater public uptake of electric vehicles is the perceived lack of rapid charging stations. It aims to ensure that, going forward, the availability of charging stations is not a major issue to the growth of the electric vehicle market.
Delivered on a cross-border basis, the ‘FASTER’ project will be implemented by lead partner East Border Region, in conjunction with a consortium of partners from Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland. These partners include: the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS), Ulster University, South West College, University of Strathclyde and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
It will carry out the design, installation and operation of 73 rapid charging points at easily accessible areas of defined need, across all three regions. It is anticipated that the provision of these new charging points will encourage more citizens to opt for a ‘greener’, more sustainable form of travel.
Match-funding for the project has also been provided by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department for Transport in Ireland, as well as HITRANS and the University of Strathclyde.
Welcoming the project the Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon said: “Since taking up my role as Infrastructure Minister I have been clear that addressing the climate emergency is one of my key priorities. I am committed to delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable and inclusive infrastructure that will improve connectivity, grow our all island economy and transform our communities today and for the generations behind us. I am pleased that my Department has helped to deliver in partnership this EU Funded project to install EV Rapid Chargers as it will complement and enhance the existing EV charging infrastructure which was also co-financed by the EU through TEN-T funding.
“I fully recognise the importance of having modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in providing confidence for users of ultra-low emission vehicles and in respect of the connectivity improvements this would bring. I am committed to seeing this infrastructure increased as part of my Department’s climate change action and hope that my commitment to invest will help us deliver the change that we need to see. It is really positive that in partnership, working together across these islands, we can help to deliver lasting change and I will continue to work closely with my Ministerial counterparts and other partners to identify further opportunities to deliver sustainable infrastructure.”
Welcoming the project, Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, T.D. said: “I’m delighted to see these 73 rapid charging stations being funded as part of the EU INTERREG VA programme. People across all three jurisdictions will benefit enormously and hopefully this type of infrastructure will incentivise people to make the switch away from fossil fuel vehicles.
“It complements other aspects of the current INTERREG programme on the island of Ireland, such as the development of cross-border greenways, as we look to fundamentally change the nature of transport to a greener and more-cleaner future,” he continued.
Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson said: “I’m delighted to see this innovative and collaborative project receive support. Climate change is an international issue and we will only be able to combat it through international cooperation, such as the INTERREG VA cross-border programme. This project will bring together HITRANS and the University of Strathclyde with partners from Ireland and Northern Ireland to make cleaner, greener transportation more accessible across the three nations.
“This will further Scotland’s journey to accessible and sustainable transport infrastructure fit for the future – and it is particularly welcome to see investment that will have a real contribution to enhancing the capacity and resilience of the electric vehicle charging network across rural areas. These additions to the ChargePlace Scotland network will undoubtedly have wide reaching benefits, not just for local communities, but for tourism and other businesses as we continue to support a shift to more environmentally friendly modes of travel.”
Underlining the importance of the project Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), which manages the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, said: “As the effects of climate change increase dramatically we need to invest seriously in measures which will cut carbon emissions. Electric vehicles represent a more eco-friendly form of transport which will have a reduced impact on the environment.
“This new EU-funded project has been specifically designed to remove some of the obstacles that have previously discouraged people from choosing electric vehicles. It also represents one of the core objectives of the INTERREG VA Programme, which supports sustainable transport, on a cross-border basis.”
The Chairman of East Border Region, Cllr Kyle Savage added: “EBR are delighted to be Lead Partner on this innovative and genuinely cross-border project which will see essential Electric Vehicle infrastructure installed across the three jurisdictions. Electric Vehicles are an essential strategy in the immediate term to reduce local emissions and help improve local air quality. We look forward to working with the SEUPB and our Partners in the implementation of this project.”
Autumn Newsletter
Please click below to access East Border Region’s Autumn Newsletter
East Border Region Ltd held its Annual General Meeting on Friday 6th December 2019, in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. With an excellent turn out of members EBR were delighted to provide members with an Annual Report which highlighted the success of the Organisation during the past year. EBR is currently involved in the financial management of eight INTERREG VA projects which total €91 million. Members were also informed that an INTERREG VA Project to install 73 Electric Vehicle fast chargers valued at €9.3 million is awaiting approval.
The focus of this year’s AGM was on the future of East Border Region and the continued promotion of the Region as a smart, competitive, sustainable and inclusive region. During proceedings members were divided into groups and collectively discussed a series of questions on the future role and remit of the Organisation. Feedback from each group will feed into a new ‘Collaborative Framework for Cross Border Co-operation 2020 – 2025′ which is currently being developed for East Border Region and will be launched in the Spring of 2020.
The East Border Region Board appointed Cllr Kyle Savage from Armagh Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council as Chairman for the incoming year while Cllr Erin McGreehan from Louth County Council and Cllr Paddy Meade from Meath County Councils were elected as Vice-Chairs.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting Cllr Savage stated that he was delighted and honoured to accept the position of Chairperson of the East Border Region Board. He paid tribute to the outgoing Chair, Councillor Aidan Campbell and stated that he hoped that he could emulate his predecessors’ achievements. Cllr Savage a relative newcomer to East Border Region stated that he looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead. “In the short few months I have been a Board Member I have been very impressed with the drive and work ethic within the Organisation. I have no doubt that we will all work hard over the next few months to ensure our new Framework is truly representative of the needs of our Region. In addition, we will continue our focus on the roll out of the existing INTERREG VA projects while looking ahead to the new PEACE PLUS Programme”.
The East Border Region Board is a local authority led organisation comprising six member councils, Counties Louth, Meath and Monaghan, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Armagh Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council.
East Border Region Chairman Cllr Aidan Campbell along with EBR CEO Ms Pamela Arthurs and EBR Programme Manager Mrs Dette Hughes travelled to Brussels for a 3 day visit from 7th – 9th October during the Annual Brussels Open Days week.
During the visit the delegation attended Open Day events and also availed of the opportunity to meet with MEPs Mairead McGuinness, Matt Carthey, Phil Hogan, Sean Kelly, Maria Walsh and Billy Kelleher.
In addition the delegation were delighted to meet with Ms Amal Kaoua, Deputy Director of EU-UK Negotiations Unit from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
