Cape Clear goes electric
Tenders for the supply of two electric vehicles to operate on Cape Clear island have been issued by the National Transport Authority.
Electric transport is on its way to Cape Clear as part of the Rural Transport Programme.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is interested is using plug-in electric vehicles as public transport on Ireland’s islands and has decided on trying a pilot project on the west Cork beauty spot.
The NTA has issued a request for tenders for the supply of two electric vehicles to operate on the island, which is three miles long by one mile wide and lies eight miles off the coast. The two vehicles needed for the pilot are to be buses of different sizes, one with a capacity of six to eight passengers, while the other is to hold up to 22 passengers.
Cape Clear’s current public transport is provided by diesel minibuses in need of replacement, thanks in part to extra wear and tear from island use. “The topography of the island, the highly saline environment, and the logistics of maintenance have all taken their toll on the vehicle,” the NTA said.
The island is inhabited year-round and has a two-teacher national school, which also makes use of the bus service.
The tender includes the installation of two charging points on Cape Clear, with the plan being to charge the buses overnight. The tender outlines that ‘both vehicles must be capable providing public transport on the island for a full day ‘without any further charging, or with only limited quick charging being necessary during the day’.
Interested parties have until November 2 to bid for the tender.
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