Barry Ward
Ceist:190. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding national targets for the provision of public EV charging stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65285/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 November 2025
Ceisteanna (190)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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.
While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is an absolute need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.
To date this has been led by private sector investment, and the number of publicly available charge points in Ireland has increased from 1,700 in September 2022 to 2,400 in 2024. In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally, depending on the level of power supplied at each. Ireland’s targets under EU legislation require not a specific number of chargepoints, but a power capacity to be provided on the public charging network. It is estimated that currently at least 160,000 kw of power is available on the public charging network. This is a significant increase from 67,000 kw of power in 2022.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the need for a National EV Charging Network Plan to define the requirements for publicly accessible charging. The objective is to be ahead of demand and deliver on the AFIR requirements and install EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. This strategy is currently being revised with a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 to be published for consultation in the coming months.
The first element of the National EV Charging Network Plan – the National Road EV Charging Network Plan - will see large banks of high powered chargers installed every 60km on motorways, with significant provision of high powered chargers also on national primary and secondary roads. The Plan sets out ambitious targets for the level and coverage needed for En-Route charging on our national roads network.
We are already seeing significant increased capacity of EV charging on our national roads, and this plan provides additional reassurance and certainty for EV drivers and those thinking of making the switch to EVs that they will be able to find high powered, fast and convenient EV charge-points where and when they need them.
The second element, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging. The plan will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.