Northern Ireland's newly established EV Infrastructure Task-Force has hosted its first ever meeting.

Working with the Department of Infrastructure's Transport Working Group, the new taskforce will develop an EV Infrastructure Action Plan to help deliver a fit for purpose, modern EV charging network in Northern Ireland.

Opening the first meeting of the taskforce, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "In establishing an EV Infrastructure Task-Force, I am bringing together representatives from government, consumers, energy providers, industry and EV drivers to consider our EV Infrastructure requirements and help set out a clear action plan to deliver a fit for purpose, modern EV charging network. If we are serious about tackling  the decarbonisation of transport we must prioritise sustainable modes of transport such as active travel, walking, wheeling and cycling and public transport. The establishment of this Task-Force supports a number of actions I have already taken as well as supporting my endorsement on behalf of the Executive of the Glasgow Declaration to accelerate the transition to zero emission cars and vans."

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The electric vehicle public charge point network in Northern Ireland is owned and operated on a commercial basis by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). Whilst the market is open to other commercial operators who would wish to provide charging infrastructure, to date, ESB is the only public network provider in the North. Funding opportunities for the installation of charge point infrastructure in GB-NI are provided by OZEV.

Minister Mallon added: "I welcome the contributions of everyone on this Task-Force in developing an EV Infrastructure Action Plan as quickly as possible. This is one of the essential actions that we need to take to address climate change. I look forward to working in partnership with these experts and leaders in the months ahead."