Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 July 2025
57. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether he will engage with local authorities and relevant stakeholders to develop national guidance for the roll-out of safe, accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure for households without off-street parking, including residents whose homes open directly onto public footpaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36543/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 Government’s aim is to create an optimum environment to keep up with demand for EV charging and make it possible for anyone who wants an EV to have one. We regularly review EV incentives and grant schemes to ensure that they are delivering value for money and supporting delivery of EV targets.
It should be noted that the use of a home charger across a public footpath is currently not legally permissible due to "private wires" legislation. This matter is currently under consideration by officials in the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE).
The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of public destination and neighbourhood charging and will be led by Local Authorities.
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.
Some authorities have already completed their strategies, while others are in progress. It is anticipated that most of these plans will be finalised in 2025.
To address a particular challenge of home-charging access a Shared Charging Pilot Scheme was also launched in February this year. This innovative, peer-to-peer programme enables homeowners to rent their EV chargers to others through a booking platform, offering cost-effective charging options for EV owners who don’t have private off-street parking. The pilot will be supported by ZEVI and will be rolled out in urban, suburban and rural areas.
