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.
For further information on the FASTER Project please contact:
Sharon Digby, Project Manager, sharon@eastborderregion.com
Note for Editors
- The FASTER Project is led by East Border Region Ltd. Project partners include South West College, Ulster University, Louth County Council, HiTrans, University of Strathclyde and Dundalk IT
- East Border Region is a cross border local authority led organization representing 6 Local Authorities in the NI/Ireland border region with extensive experience of Managing and implementing cross border projects.
- 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 Transport Scotland.
- The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in Ireland.
- It is responsible for managing two EU Structural Funds Programmes, PEACE IV and INTERREG VA which are designed to enhance cross-border cooperation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society.
- The Programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in the case of INTERREG VA, Western Scotland.
- The INTERREG VA Programme has a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) contribution of €240 million and aims to address the economic and social problems which result from the existence of borders.
- For more information on SEUPB please visit seupb.eu