Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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119. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a response will issue to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to concerns with the ESB public electrical vehicle charging points rate increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1666/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I have no function in the pricing of electricity, which falls within the remit of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) as Ireland's independent energy and water regulator. The CRU was established following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and is accountable to the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister nor my Department.

Having an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer and can assist in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. The National Charging Infrastructure Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March 2022.

The draft strategy 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. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy, due for publication shortly.

Furthermore, on 21 July last I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. I announced that a new residential charging grant is in development which will focus on providing neighbourhood and residential charging solutions, particularly in areas where off-street charging is either limited or not possible. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland and updates on the residential charging grant is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.