To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what steps she is taking to ensure that charge points for electric cars are included in new (i) infrastructure projects; and (ii) homes.

In the UK-wide Road to Zero Strategy, the UK Government set out its intention for all new homes to be electric vehicle ready and committed to consult on requirements for every new home to have a charge point, where appropriate. The UK Government consultation exercise also outlined how it proposes to transpose the requirements from the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Article 8) to set minimum requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new residential and new and existing non-residential buildings. The consultation report is still awaited.

The transposition of Article 8 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2018 will require amendment of the Northern Ireland Buildings Regulations. In addition, new legislation to implement parts of the Directive in respect of charging infrastructure in existing buildings will also be required. Officials in my department are currently working with officials in the Department of Finance and the Department for Transport on this matter. My officials are also looking at how this would impact on new infrastructure projects.

I am committed to exploring all options and new solutions to enhance the charge point infrastructure, improve lives and tackle the climate emergency. My Department continues to closely monitor funding opportunities for the installation of additional charge point infrastructure and will work with commercial providers to ensure that the installation of any additional charge point infrastructure remains fit for purpose commensurate with growth.