Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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209. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current situation with respect to planning permission for the installation of EV chargers in public places; the efforts being made by his Department to ensure that property owners with only direct public street access can install EV chargers outside of their properties; if his Department has considered the installation of footpath ducting in such cases to allow charging cables to pass underfoot of public areas, such as those in use in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3076/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of destination and neighbourhood charging and will be lead by Local Authorities.

While private EV charging cables going over public land are not currently permitted by law, a significant number of public charge points are scheduled to be delivered over the next year.

Local authorities will be funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation 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.

Other solutions may include off-street community chargers, Shared Charging facilities, and/or use of local Rapid Destination Chargers or Hubs. Some authorities have already completed their strategies, while others are in progress. It is anticipated that most of these plans will be finalised by 2025.

Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) will continue to work directly with the local authority groups as they develop their strategies and will provide other supports and resources as necessary.

ZEVI is also working with:

• DECC to consider what would be required to facilitate wider use and provision of EV charging using private wires.

• Dept. Housing in relation to planning guidance for Local Authorities and developers in relation to EV Infrastructure required for new builds.