Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
154. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to increase the number of EV charging points throughout the country and in Cavan Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44545/26]
View answerThe 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 Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) sets binding national targets for all Member States to ensure adequate deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure for the road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors. It also defines unified technical standards and requirements for user access, data sharing and payment systems to ensure consistency and interoperability across the EU. The requirements include minimum power output and the maximum distance allowable between recharging pools (one or more recharging stations in one specific location).
In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under AFIR and depending on level of power supplied at charging points, it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally by 2030. AFIR requirements state that there should be 1.3kW of capacity on the national network per BEV and 0.8kW capacity per PHEV.
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, and a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 was published for consultation between February and April.
Further, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on neighbourhood and destination charging locations, will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.
Local authorities, including Cavan and Monaghan which have been identified under Region 1 of the plan, 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.
A range of EV infrastructure have been developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging. This includes the delivery of motorway charging hubs; national primary and secondary roads high powered charging; a pilot scheme for EV infrastructure in 15 Local Authorities; and a Shared Island funded Sports Club scheme for EV charging.
