Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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255.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the targeted coverage of the regional EV charging network now in evolution, distinguishing accessibility on major routes and in significant centres of population; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35010/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The draft Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of regional and local networks of public EV charging infrastructure in cities, towns, and villages across Ireland, and will be led by Local Authorities.

ZEVI are currently engaging with Local Authorities to develop Regional Infrastructure Strategies which will identify the local need for different types of EV charging infrastructure, such as on-street neighbourhood chargers, Shared Charging facilities, and/or use of local Rapid Destination Chargers or Hubs.

Following Strategy development Local Authorities will identify suitable sites and locations to install the EV charging Infrastructure to meet user needs.

It is envisaged that Local Authorities will work in partnership together and with the private sector using appropriate contractual arrangements to install and operate this infrastructure up to 2030 to facilitate the transition to EVs, and beyond 2030 that the private market will be robust enough to install any future infrastructure based on user demand and need.

Finally, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland has published the Universal Design Guidelines for EV Charging Infrastructure. The Guidelines provide clear direction to those involved in the manufacturing, procurement, installation, and operation of the EV charging infrastructure. They present recommendations for the design of the charging station, the accessibility of the site, and the information and communications needed to inform users before, during, and after charging.

The outputs of the Regional and Local EV Charging Plan are complementary to the other public charging priorities of destination charging and en-route charging, all of which are subject to targets under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation. It should be noted however that home charging is the preferred option in Ireland and is encouraged wherever possible and practical.