Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years.

In July 2022, I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. A suite of new grants and initiatives have been launched and further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.

In January this year, I launched the national Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025, alongside an Implementation Plan. The 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.

Power required by 2025

The Strategy seeks to increase the country’s Publicly Accessible Charging capacity by close to 300% by 2025. In addition, we will ensure charging infrastructure is available on the Ten-T network and nationwide including remote areas and areas that will have high seasonal attractions. There are now many charge point operators active in the Irish market and there is evidence that there are a growing number of charge points being delivered that are both publicly accessible and at destinations such as hotels where charging would be available to their clients.

ZEVI funded chargers

ZEVI has significant funding available in 2023 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland. A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.

Destination Charging is a strong priority this year. In addition to a general scheme to be launched in Q4, a number of bespoke schemes are also in advanced stages of development, including

• A Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which is expected to install up to 200 fast chargers
• An EU Just transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers

These circa 300 sites, in addition to those under other destination schemes currently planned will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.

ZEVI is also working with local authorities to support them creating local charging plans to be rolled out in the coming years.

A new Residential Neighbourhood Charging Scheme will also be launched to provide EV charging for residents without access off street parking. This EV charging will be designed to mimic home charging and will incentivise off-peak charging in a location convenient to the resident’s home.

ZEVI is also working closely with other stakeholders in the development of a national delivery plan for en-route charging later this year.

Commercially funded chargers

In addition to schemes directly launched by ZEVI, there is a strong growth in the provision of private sector charging projects which aim to facilitate charging at all levels, from destination and residential to ultra-rapid and high-powered charging, such as is required along major routes and for heavy duty vehicles.

With an investment of €10 from the Climate Action Fund and a matching €10M from ESB, ESB ecars are rolling out fast charging hubs and fast charge points across the country. Their program is as follows:

• 50 charging “hubs” throughout Ireland which can charge between 3-8 vehicles simultaneously, 23 of which have been delivered
• Replacing 50 existing standard chargers with fast chargers, 40 of which have been delivered
• Replacement of over 200 other standard to increase reliability of service

Current position

There are approximately 2,100 charge points in Ireland. The Department of Transport does not yet hold exact numbers of public EV charging points in Ireland in particular locations, as these are owned and operated by private chargepoint operators. Once Local Authorities' EV infrastructure strategies are complete, the Department will have an accurate statement of charge points per county.

As the Deputy's question relates to ESB eCars charge points specifically, I have forwarded your question to ESB eCars for direct reply. Please contact my office if no reply is received within 10 working days.