William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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218. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to expand the national EV charging network, address regional disparities in charger availability, and support lower-income households in transitioning to electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62631/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.

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

The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging. The objective is to be ahead of demand and deliver on the AFIR requirements and install EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. This strategy, is currently being revised with a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 to be published for consultation in the coming months.

In 2024, the locations of 17 new high-powered recharging pools for electric vehicles were announced along the National Road Network.

In June 2025, the locations of 53 new high-powered recharging pools to be rolled out under this scheme on the National Road Network were announced under Phase 2 of the ZEVI EV Recharging Infrastructure LDV National Road Grant Scheme.

In October 2025, we announced the locations of 90 new high-powered recharging pools to be rolled out under Phase 3 of the scheme.

The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging, was published in April this year. The plan will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.

A range of new charging infrastructure schemes are being developed, including:

• A Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which will install up to 200 fast chargers in sports clubs on the island of Ireland.

• Local Authority pilot schemes, funding the roll out of EV charging in Local Authorities who have already developed local EV network plans, while supporting the development of local EV Network plans in other areas.

Rural motorists are often in an advantageous position to make the switch to an electric vehicle, due to the large number of dwellings in rural Ireland which are suitable for home EV charging.

Home charging means lower running costs and many EVs are now capable of doing over 400km on a single charge, which will meet most people’s daily driving needs.

Over €100m has been allocated in 2025 to support the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for EV grants and EV charging infrastructure.

There is a suite of incentives in place from ZEVI, and where applicable with support from taxation incentives through the Department of Finance, to support the continued transition to EVs, including a purchase grant for battery electric vehicles; a home charger purchase grant; VRT relief of up to €5,000; and a low rate of annual motor tax.