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Derry plugged in with electric car
17.05.12
DERRY'S first citizen
is undertaking his engagements this week in the
first electric car to be used in the city.
Cllr Maurice Devenney, an advocate of the ‘ecar’
initiative, was present last week when NI
Environment Minister Alex Attwood, officially
launched a pilot scheme that saw electric charging
posts installed at a number of convenient locations
throughout the city.
The charging plugs, compatible with the widely
available ‘ecars’ has now enabled the technology of
electric travel to become a reality in the city. |
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Derry Mayor Maurice Devenney pictured
outside the Derry City Council offices with his
driver Ben Keith, as they prepare to take to the
road's in the city’s first electric car. |
Derry's ‘ecar’ project
is a jointly led initiative by the Department of
Environment (DOE) and Department for Regional
Development (DRD) as part of the ‘Plugged in Places’
scheme in Britain. Its aim is to help promote,
encourage and increase the use of an alternative,
sustainable form of transport. Derry City Council is
one of six councils chosen to roll out the
pioneering initiative due to its cross-border
position. The council has worked closely with a
consortium of private sector organisations to offer
the alternative form of transport in the city.
“Derry City Council has embraced the future with
their work in this project and I have a vested and
personal interest in this economic form of transport
and was delighted when offered the opportunity to
trial it for myself this week," said Cllr Devenney.
“The city should be proud of the investment this
scheme has so far brought to the city, not least the
long term benefits to the environment in reducing
CO2 emissions. These vehicles which ideally are
powered by electricity from renewable sources, are,
once the initial investment is made with the
purchase of the vehicle, much less expensive to
maintain and run and reduce our dependency on the
volatile oil industry." More information on the
initiative is available from Leo Strawbridge on
02871 365151 or
Leo.Strawbridge@derrycity.gov.uk |
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