Written answers
Tuesday, 9 April 2024
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Electric Vehicles
John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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171. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address delays by ESB Networks in providing grid connections for the installation of EV charging infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15318/24]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
The EV Charging infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025 sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.
In relation to electric vehicle grid connections, Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) continues to work closely with ESB Networks, a key member of the ZEVI Assurance Board and Progress Group. However, issues regarding the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid and ESB Networks.
EirGrid and ESB Networks are independent of the Minister of Environment, Climate and Communications in the exercise of their respective functions at an operational level. EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, has responsibility for the development of the Transmission Network and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, has responsibility for the development of the Distribution Network.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 (ERA) and subsequent legislation. The CRU is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister.
The CRU is responsible for, inter alia, electricity grid connection policy and the economic regulation of the electricity system operators ESB Networks, distribution, and EirGrid, transmission. Under Section 34 of the ERA, the CRU may give directions to system operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, on the terms and conditions of access to the electricity system. Based on the CRU’s policy directions, the system operators issue connection offers.
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