Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
350. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the person or body responsible for the maintenance and rollout of EV charging points in the country; if his Department provides funding to local authorities for the rollout or maintenance of EV charging points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29729/26]
View answerThe 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.
The Department of Transport, through Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), has developed and is funding a range of charging infrastructure schemes to help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
Charge Point Operators awarded public contracts, own, operate and maintain chargers installed under ZEVI schemes.
The new draft National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2026-2028 published in February aims to accelerate the delivery of EV infrastructure across Ireland and includes a comprehensive plan to expand and future-proof the national EV charging network.
The EV Recharging Infrastructure LDV En-Route Grant Schemes administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), will significantly expand high power charging availability across the motorway and national, road network, creating a more convenient and reliable system for drivers nationwide.
The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan focuses on neighbourhood and destination charging locations and will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.
Local authorities will be funded by 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 pilot infrastructure projects in a number of Local Authorities, so as not to delay any initial rollout.
