Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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125. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans to facilitate home charging of electric vehicles where a property fronts onto a public footpath (details supplied). [3962/25]

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 use of a home charger across a public footpath is currently not legally permissible due to "private wires" legislation, which is the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Climate Action and Communications.

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

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.