Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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337. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to support the installation of EV charging infrastructure for householders who do not have a driveway, in urban areas in particular; and if he has engaged with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in respect of the planning implications of same. [17639/25]

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

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

While 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, 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.

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.

To address a particular challenge of home-charging access a Shared Charging Pilot Scheme was also recently launched. This innovative, peer-to-peer programme enables homeowners to rent their EV chargers to others through a booking platform, offering cost-effective charging options for EV owners who don’t have private off-street parking. The pilot will be supported by ZEVI and will be rolled out in urban, suburban and rural areas.

ZEVI is working with the Department of Climate, Environment and Communications on the "private wires" issue and also with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding planning guidance for Local Authorities and developers in relation to EV infrastructure required for new builds.