Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
239. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department is taking to make EVs more accessible in County Kerry; the timeframe and locations for installing additional EVs across County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46566/26]
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, and has committed almost EUR45m to the provision of new EV charging infrastructure in 2026. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Based on official data provided to the national reporting platform by registered ChargePoint Operators (CPOs), there are currently 132 publicly available recharging points in Kerry as of end May (It should be noted that these data are provided directly by charge point operators (CPOs) and there are some small differences in approach across CPOs in relation to the format of data provided. The Department of Transport is currently finalising a ZEVI Data Strategy and associated data platforms with Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Once in place, these will enhance TII’s and the Department’s ability to monitor this infrastructure more accurately. The system will enable measures to be put in place to enhance accuracy of data provided by CPOs in relation to charge-points in near real time and provide these comprehensive data on an Open Data basis).
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 will be funded by my Department, through Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, 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. Kerry has been identified under Region 6 of this plan, with Regional Lead Cork County.
A range of infrastructure schemes have been developed which will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging, including:
LDV National Road Grant Scheme.
This programme provides financial support to the private sector for the installation of high-powered recharging pools along key sections of Ireland’s national roads, including successful sites in Kerry under Phases 2 and 3 of the scheme.
Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme.
The Shared Island funded Sports Club EV Charging Scheme provides funding to install a network of publicly accessible chargers in communities nationwide through their local sports clubs, with four eligible clubs in Kerry: Killarney Celtic Football Club, An Ríocht A.C., Ceann Sibeal Dingle Golf Links, Spa GAA Club. Of the eligible clubs in Kerry, three have received ‘Notification of Commencement’ letters.
Local Authority Pilot Schemes.
ZEVI has developed a Pilot Programme with Local Authorities, which aims to deliver 26 pilot projects across 15 Local Authorities, including Kerry. The focus for the Pilot programme is to provide charging infrastructure at locations that meet multiple user needs for Local Authority owned sites.
