Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
338. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made by his Department in relation to permitting the use of private EV charge points for electric vehicle users without off street driveways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37708/26]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to the significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the coming years. A reliable and accessible charging network is essential to enabling drivers to make the transition to electric mobility.
Home charging is, and is expected to remain, the primary means by which most drivers charge their vehicles. Public charging infrastructure plays a critical complementary role, ensuring that those who cannot charge at home are not disadvantaged and can participate fully in the transition to electric vehicles.
As such, a range of charging options will be required to support drivers without access to off-street parking. These include neighbourhood charging hubs and destination charge points, en-route charging along the National Roads Network, and fast-charging hubs for taxis. Neighbourhood charging, in particular, can provide households without private driveways with access to charge points within their local area.
In parallel, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan sets out a pathway for the accelerated delivery of public destination and neighbourhood charging infrastructure, led by Local Authorities. This process will identify the number and type of charge points required in each area, including provision specifically for residents without access to private off-street parking. While these strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is supporting pilot projects across a number of Local Authorities to deliver charging infrastructure at locations that meet multiple user needs.
The Government recognises that the absence of off-street parking presents a particular challenge for some households. Addressing this barrier is a key priority, and work is underway to introduce new legislation establishing a regulated private wires regime. This will enable appropriate charging solutions to be deployed safely in residential settings where direct home charging is not currently possible.
At present, the use of EV charging cables across public footpaths is not permitted under existing electricity legislation. The Electricity Regulation Act 1999 restricts the installation and operation of electricity infrastructure in public spaces to licensed network operators, in order to ensure public safety, regulatory oversight and system integrity. However, a growing number of technical solutions implemented in other EU jurisdictions are being examined by the Department as potential models to support safe and practical at-home charging for these households.
The introduction of a private wires regime remains a priority for the Government. The General Scheme of the Private Wires Bill was approved by Government on 16 December 2025, and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has since been engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to progress drafting of the legislation. Pre-legislative scrutiny has been completed by the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy, with its report published on 22 April. It is intended that the Bill will complete its passage through the Oireachtas in due course.
