Written answers

Thursday, 20 November 2025

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Electric Vehicles

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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235. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total level of Exchequer funding allocated and drawn down for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in 2021 to 2025, including specific allocations to zero emission vehicles Ireland and to local authority-led charging projects, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65074/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh 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 and reaching climate targets. 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) is a dedicated Office within the Department of Transport charged with supporting consumers, the public sector and businesses to continue to make the switch to zero emission vehicles. The Office leads on the delivery of Ireland’s ambitious targets under the Climate Action Plan 2023 to have an expected 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.

ZEVI was established in July 2022 and funding was allocated for EV charging infrastructure as set out below:

Year Infrastructure Allocation Drawdown
2022 €17m €11.7m
2023 €27m €16.7m
2024 €45.8m €12.3m
2025 €40.5m €8m (to date)
The difference between allocation of funding and and drawdown of funding for EV infrastructure in the years as set out above is primarily as a result of delays in scheme delivery after approval. This has been in some cases as a result of planning and procurement at Local Authority level, and in others due to delays in connecting EV infrastructure to the electrical grid. A number of improvements have been made in the past year in relation to both, and I anticipate that a significant scale up in delivery of exchequer funded EV infrastructure will be seen in approved schemes in early 2026.

Local authorities are funded by ZEVI to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. 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. ZEVI is also funding EV infrastructure officers in every local authority to manage delivery and roll out of EV infrastructure networks.

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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236. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of publicly accessible electric vehicle charge points currently available in the State, by county and by charger type (slow, fast, high power); the equivalent figures for 2020 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65075/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh 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 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 2025 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.

Currently, the Department of Transport does not track the number of publicly accessible EV charging stations by region. However, ZEVI is developing a Data Strategy and associated data platforms that will, once in place, enhance the Department’s ability to monitor this infrastructure.

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.

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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237. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the National Road Network EV Charging Plan; the number of motorway and national road service areas where high power charging hubs are now operational; the number that are in procurement or construction; the expected completion dates for each site, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65076/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh 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.

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 Road EV Charging Network Plan, published May 2024, identifies the level of charging that will be needed on our national primary and secondary road network 2024-2030.

The EV Recharging Infrastructure LDV En-Route Grant Schemes are funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) and administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Procurement is complete on all of the schemes outlined below, and they have moved to construction and delivery.

In 2024, a total of 131 high-powered recharging points to be built across 17 recharging pools, providing an additional 24,260 kilowatts (24 megawatts) recharging capacity, under the LDV1 scheme on the motorway were announced.

In June 2025, a total of 175 high-powered recharging points to be built across 53 recharging pools, providing an additional 20,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity, under Phase 2 of the scheme covering national primary roads, were announced.

In October 2025, we announced the locations of 90 new high-powered recharging pools, a total of 192 high-powered recharging points, to be rolled out under Phase 3 of the scheme covering national secondary roads. These hubs are due to be in place by end 2026.

Each of these recharging pools will provide fast and ultra-fast recharging points, so that people can charge their EVs quickly.

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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238. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role assigned to local authorities in planning, delivering and operating public electric vehicle charging infrastructure; the formal guidance that has issued to local authorities on this matter; and the supports available to them in terms of funding, technical assistance and data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65077/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh 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.

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

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.

While strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is funding 26 pilot infrastructure projects across 15 Local Authorities and dedicated EV charging infrastructure officers. 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 has prepared a Local and Regional EV Infrastructure plan to assist and guide Local Authorities in the development of their network plans. ZEVI also has developed site selection guidelines, Universal Design Guidelines, and is identifying a range training supports to support Local Authorities in this delivery role.

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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239. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if each local authority has prepared or is preparing a regional or local electric vehicle charging plan; the status of these plans by local authority; the way in which they align with national targets under the EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy and the National Road Network EV Charging Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65078/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh 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 and reaching climate targets. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.

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.

The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging, was published in April this year. This plan focuses on EV Infrastructure for Light Duty Vehicles based on user needs and AFIR Fleet based targets to 2030. With Government support and in partnership with the public and private sector, the roll out will be led by Local Authorities.

Local authorities are funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process will identify the capacity and number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking. These strategies, combined with the delivery of LDV charging on the National Road network, led by TII, are designed to meet national targets for the provision of EV charging infrastructure.

Some authorities have already completed their strategies, while others are in progress. It is anticipated that most of these plans will be finalised by end of 2025. While strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is funding 26 pilot infrastructure projects across 15 Local Authorities and dedicated EV charging infrastructure officers.

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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240. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the agencies and offices with responsibility for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including his Department, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the SEAI and others; the specific remit of each body; the coordination mechanisms in place between them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65079/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is a dedicated Office within the Department of Transport, charged with supporting consumers, the public sector and businesses to continue to make the switch to zero emission vehicles.

The Office leads on the delivery of Ireland’s ambitious targets under the Climate Action Plan 2023 to have an expected 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.

To deliver on this target, ZEVI work in partnership with stakeholders from across the public and private sector. ZEVI's governance structures include formal participation from ESB networks, the SEAI, TII and the NTA, as well as regular but less formalised contacts between ZEVI, Eirgrid and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.

Regarding EV charging infrastructure, 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 and a range of new charging infrastructure schemes in place to support the continued transition to EVs and for the rollout of EV charging infrastructure, including:

  • a home charging scheme administered by SEAI;
  • an apartment charging scheme administered by SEAI;
  • a ZEHDV scheme to assist companies and enterprises who wish to buy zero-emission heavy duty vehicles, and was expanded to include purchase grants for recharging infrastructure, administered by TII, and;
  • EV Recharging Infrastructure LDV En-Route Grant Schemes, administered by TII.

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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241. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports available to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure in apartment complexes, multi-unit developments and publicly owned car parks; the number of such projects approved and completed to date, by local authority area; his plans to expand these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65080/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh 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 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.

Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.

The apartment charger grant, administered by by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), assists residents and owners of apartments and other multi-unit developments who want to install a home charger for their Electric Vehicle (EV) and which are not covered by the pre-existing grants.

The grant is designed for bulk installation of chargers at a single location, and supports cabling, infrastructure, labour, and construction costs. Owners’ management companies, housing bodies, local authorities, commercial and private landlords can apply.

As of end of October a total of 135 applications have been received with 9 in review, 59 committed, 47 complete, and 20 cancelled.

The Government remains firmly committed to creating the conditions necessary for widespread EV adoption.

The Department regularly reviews EV incentives and grants to ensure that they are delivering value for money and supporting delivery of EV targets. We will continue to pursue a balanced and evidence-based approach, one that is ambitious in its climate objectives, yet grounded in deliverability and value for money.

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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242. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the key performance indicators used by his Department and Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland to measure progress on public electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including chargers per electric vehicle, geographic coverage and reliability or uptime; the way in which current performance compares with national targets and with the State's obligations under the EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65082/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh 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.

EV infrastructure standards are mandated through European regulations, the ITS Directive, the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation, and Irish legislation and regulations.

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) has been in force since 13 April 2024 and is an important part of the EU’s Fit for 55 policy package to reduce EU emissions by 55% by 2030 and make the EU climate-neutral by 2050.

The Regulation establishes mandatory minimum alternative fuels infrastructure targets and obligations, to ensure that a sufficient and interoperable recharging and refuelling infrastructure network is in place across EU Member States.

AFIR sets targets and timeframes for the deployment of infrastructure in urban nodes and across the main transport corridors in each Member State (the Trans-European Network-Transport network (TEN-T), including electric vehicle recharging infrastructure for light- and heavy-duty vehicles.

National targets under AFIR take the form of publicly available charging capacity (kw) on the network, rather than a national target for the number of EV chargepoints. A minimum number of high powered chargepoints are also to be provided on the Ten-T core and comprehensive networks under AFIR, and ZEVI and TII have put in place tender processes to deliver these charging requirements on the national road network. The Department of Transport reports to the EU annually on progress under the AFIR.

The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy sets out the ambition and strategy for the delivery of a national EV charging network across the country that will meet users' needs, and includes the practical steps to deliver this network and AFIR infrastructure targets. This strategy is currently being revised with a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 to be published for consultation in the coming months.

ZEVI is developing a Data Strategy that will, once in place, enhance the Department’s ability to monitor this infrastructure. The system will enable the collection of data from charge-points in near real time and provide it on an Open Data basis.

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