Bright sparks - five electric car charge points for Ballymoney borough

The ‘Plug in Places’ scheme is only available until March 2013, with the deadline for applications being last Friday (November 30), and will benefit the borough attracting eco-friendly tourists and visitors to the town while helping to reduce environmentally harmful emissions.

The issue was raised during October’s Council meeting when Mr Gregor Kerr, Department Regional Development, Transportation Unit gave a presentation to councillors outlining government targets to reduce emissions, the benefits of the scheme as well as the future increase in electric car ownership.

Members deferred the decision to allow for further investigation, however during last Monday’s Council meeting, it was agreed to join the scheme.

Alderman Bill Kennedy, Chairman of the Development Committee explained: “Before this meeting we have approved to join the E-car Project for five electric car charge points to be installed in the borough at a cost of £10,000 to Council.

“The scheme will install five recharging points throughout the town of Ballymoney - each charger costs £11,000 which is a capital investment to this area of £55,000. We understand that there are not many electric cars at the moment but this is the future. There are already recharge points in Portrush, Coleraine and Ballymena and 18 Councils in Northern Ireland are already up for it.”

Alderman Frank Campbell seconded the proposal while Cllr Tom McKeown praised the news adding: “This is one of the ways transport in Northern Ireland is moving to in the future and we have to keep up with the times. Although it will not be of great benefit at the moment but it will be in years to come. It will be a welcome asset to Ballymoney.”