Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2025 to Question 44913 on Electric Vehicles: Charging Points, if he will hold discussions with the Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister on the reasons for the difference in the rate of public electric vehicle charging devices per 100,000 of population between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

My officials regularly engage with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland on zero emission vehicle initiatives, including charging infrastructure development. Minister Lightwood met the Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure in April during the British-Irish Council meeting to discuss the electric vehicle transition. We will continue to work, where appropriate, with the Devolved Governments to improve transport outcomes for all people of the UK.

While transport is largely devolved to the Department for Infrastructure, the Department is supporting Northern Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. Through Round 1 of the Levelling Up Fund, we are providing up to £3.27 million to upgrade and expand the EV charging network. Previously, two grants totalling £1.38 million were awarded under the On Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme.