Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
281. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure in County Laois, along key commuter routes and in towns such as Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Abbeyleix; his plans to support the transition to low-emission transport in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3147/26]
View answerMy 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 and installing 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 government has launched a number of schemes to provide for increased high quality charging on the national network - so -called LDV schemes which are administered by TII.
Under Phase 1 a total of 131 high-powered recharging points will be built across 17 recharging pools along motorways providing an additional 24,260 kilowatts (24 megawatts) recharging capacity.
Under Phase 2 of the scheme, a total of 175 high-powered recharging points will be built across 53 recharging pools along national primary roads, providing an additional 20,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity.
Under Phase 3 a total of 192 high-powered recharging points will be built across the 90 recharging pools along national secondary roads, providing an additional 22,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity.
These initiatives, which also include sites in Laois, will significantly expand high power charging availability across the national, regional and local road network, creating a more convenient and reliable system for drivers nationwide.
There is also a Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan. This plan, which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging, was published in April 2025. The plan will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors. Laois has been identified under Region 2 with counties Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath, and Regional Lead Offaly.
A third initiative, the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme provides funding to install a network of publicly accessible chargers in communities nationwide through their local sports clubs. Included in the scope of the Scheme are 227 clubs of which 179 are in Ireland and 48 in Northern Ireland. There are 5 eligible clubs in Laois: Annanough GAA 1, Clonaslee St Manmans GAA 1, Park Ratheniska GAA Club 1, The Heath Golf Club 1, and The Heritage Golf Resort.
Government will continue to do what it can to facilitate the rollout of more chargers as having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
