Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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223. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport what steps are being taken to improve access to high-capacity electric vehicle charging infrastructure in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44693/24]

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 EV 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.

Home charging is and will remain the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer. Home charging also assists in the overall management of the national grid by reducing the impact of reliance on higher powered and peak-time charging. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, however for those unable to do so a growing network of neighbourhood and destination charging will provide a reliable alternative.

Local authorities will be funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) to develop local and regional network plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking. Some authorities have already completed these plans, while others are in progress. We anticipate that most of these plans will be finalised by 2025.

County Kildare is regional lead which has been identified as part of Region 4 under the network plan and will be working with counties Louth, Meath and Wicklow as well as with relevant support organisations and stakeholders to identify the charging needs for their region through the publication of a local charging strategy.

Region 4 has completed its initial scoping and is preparing to award a contract to engage additional support for the assessment of existing local charging networks and needs and to inform the overall scope of the strategy implementation.

Additionally, 2 sites in Co. Kildare have been selected for inclusion in phase 1 of the ZEVI and TII LDV National Road Grant Scheme. In July this year I was pleased to announced the locations of 17 new high-powered recharging pools to be rolled out under this scheme on the National Road Network, with the Kildare sites being one each along the M4 and the M9.

ZEVI will continue to directly work with the local authority groups as they develop their strategies and will provide other supports and resources as necessary.