Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
205. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has plans at present to legislate for a universal payment system for public electric vehicle charging points, or to ensure that customers have the option to pay directly with card rather than through an app; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51176/26]
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 Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) lays down detailed rules and data specifications that will ensure greater transparency, interoperability, and accessibility of recharging. Under AFIR, all Charge Point Operators (CPO) have had to provide ad-hoc payment options on all installed new infrastructure since April 2024. All new charging infrastructure funded either privately or by the government will have to conform with this regulation. This ad-hoc payment capability will negate the requirement for users to hold an account with a CPO or access an app to pay for charging.
All charging infrastructure with a capacity of greater than 50kW will have to retrospectively install this ad-hoc payment technology by 2027.
