Robert Troy
Question:99. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the centre of excellence for EV identified for Columb Barracks, Mullingar. [40601/23]
View answerThursday, 21 September 2023
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Written answers
My Department is committed to supporting the objectives set out in the Climate Action Plan 2023 including the expansion of Ireland’s electric vehicle fleet and the ambitious target of 30% of our private car fleet having made the switch to electric vehicles by 2030. My Department is coordinating future skills needs with the emerging demands in the sector. This work is based on studies including the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs’ November 2021 report Skills for Zero Carbon: The Demand for Renewable Energy, Residential Retrofit and Electric Vehicle Deployment Skills to 2030. This detailed report outlines the future skills and workforce requirements necessitated by Ireland’s ambitious electric vehicle targets between now and 2030.
I am aware that Longford Westmeath ETB are committed to the establishment of an Electric Mobility Capability Centre in Mullingar and have identified a number of possible sites. LWETB have recently submitted a proposal to SOLAS outlining a preliminary business case for this Capability Centre. This preliminary business case has been developed following identification of the significant need in specialist EV training, their strategic geographic location to house such a campus, and the wish to lead this training at a national level. As you are aware, LWETB have a long history in delivering quality education provision and apprenticeship in the midlands regions. Their proposal aims to increase capacity to deliver innovative, responsive and agile programmes to meet the newly emerging demands on industry – particularly in the mobility and EV space. The business case is currently under review with SOLAS.
Meanwhile, SOLAS are actively working, alongside other green priorities, to incorporate EV training into existing apprenticeship programmes.