Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

485. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the up-to-date position in providing an increased number of eCar public charging points for the mid-Cork region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42489/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.

While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is an absolute need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.

The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan was launched April this year and sets targets and strategies for local authorities to drive EV infrastructure development at destination and neighbourhood locations, with government support.

Led by local authorities, the Regional and Local Plan ensures a cohesive and standardised approach, which will promote a unified and efficient roll out of charging infrastructure and facilitate the equitable transition to EVs.

This is another significant step in the ongoing roll out of publicly accessible charge points. The plan will sit alongside the existing National Road EV Charging Plan, En-route Charging Schemes, and of course the widespread use of home charging which will remain the best and most efficient way to rollout EV charging for all.

Local Authorities have grouped into 10 regional and city groups to manage the development of Local EV Network Plans. Cork County has been identified as the Regional Lead for Region 6 under the network plan and will work with County Kerry as well as with relevant support organisations and stakeholders to identify the charging needs for their region.

ZEVI is supporting Local Authorities by funding dedicated EV charging infrastructure officers in each Local Authority, to co-ordinate and lead on the roll out of charging infrastructure. While strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is funding pilot infrastructure projects in a number of Local Authorities, so as not to delay any initial rollout.

Some authorities have already completed their strategies, while others are in progress. It is anticipated that most of these plans will be finalised in 2025.

In addition, to address a particular challenge of home-charging access a Shared Charging Pilot Scheme was also launched in February this year. 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.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

486. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of public eCar charging points available for the years 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, by location, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42490/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (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.

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated Office which oversees and accelerates Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles, has significant funding available in 2024 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.

The number of publicly accessible charge points in Ireland increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to approximately 2,400 in 2024. In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally, depending on the level of power supplied at each.

The Department of Transport does not at present maintain counts of available publicly accessible EV charging stations in specific regions, however ZEVI are developing a Data Strategy which, when implemented, will give the Department improved visibility on this.

The system will enable the collection of data from charge-points in near real time and provide it on an Open Data basis. The obligation on charge-point operators and owners to share this data is legislated for in the EU Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation.