Leisure centre electric vehicle points welcomed

Leisure centre electric vehicle points welcomed

13 December 2023

THE installation of new electric vehicle charging points at the Down Leisure Centre in Downpatrick has been welcomed by local politicians.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath and local councillor Conor Galbraith say the charging point will help play a key role in reducing the district’s carbon footprint.

Mr McGrath said as work 

continues to seek innovative ways to achieve net zero targets, one of the key drivers is incentivising and encouraging people to buy electric vehicles. 

“A key part of this drive must be the improvement of our electric vehicle charging network and infrastructure,” he continued.

“People simply will not make the change from petrol and diesel cars to electric if they believe that the infrastructure is lacking and we need to be realistic about this. 

“If the government wants people to make that jump, which is a difficult one for many, it  must provide an incentive to do so. The new charging points at the Down Leisure Centre will offer just that.”

Mr McGrath said the cost of buying electric vehicles is another issue that needs to be addressed and one he would like debated on the floor of the Assembly, if it was sitting.

Cllr Galbraith described the leisure centre charging points as an “important addition” to the leisure complex as the focus remains on encouraging people not only to make the change to electric vehicles, but live healthier and more active lifestyles. 

“We know how beneficial the leisure centre is to our physical and mental health and while there are outstanding issues with the Market Street facility that we are seeking to resolve, the more we encourage people to make use of these facilities will only reap more long term benefits for everyone.”