Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
340. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the planning guidelines which apply to the installation of canopy structures at public EV charging stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71267/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra341. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has examined international best practice regarding the provision of shelter at EV-charging points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71268/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.
The Department of Transport is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the Public Accessible EV charging network over the coming years.
The EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy addresses EV infrastructure required to meet user needs as mandated through European regulations, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), and Irish legislation and regulations. These include interoperability; ease of payment; reliability; and accessibility standards and safety.
In May 2024, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland published the Universal Design Guidelines for EV Charging Infrastructure. These Guidelines provide clear direction to those involved in the manufacturing, procurement, installation, and operation of the EV charging infrastructure. They present recommendations for the design of the charging station, the accessibility of the site, and the information and communications needed to inform users before, during, and after a charging session. The Guidelines focus on accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure (fast and slow) for light passenger vehicles and aim to ensure that charging stations are designed to be inclusive for all users.
These Guidelines are not legally binding but are provided as technical assistance to help entities design, install and operate EV charging infrastructure that is accessible for everyone. However, European Standards (EN), Irish Standards (I.S.), and Irish Statutory Instruments (S.I.) should be adhered to when applicable.
Recommendation G. Weather Protection of Section 6.2 Site Design clearly states that:
“Adequate weather protection around the charging station and along access routes to nearby amenities or facilities would enhance user comfort.
Weather protection should cover the charging station up to the inlet, to ensure that adverse weather conditions have minimal impact on the user experience.”
It should be noted that while the installation for high powered charging infrastructure is exempt from planning under certain circumstances under current planning legislation the erection of a canopy at any EV Charging Infrastructure requires Planning Permission to be sought from the relevant Authority.
While planning permission and exempt developments is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the ZEVI office in the Department of Transport has engaged with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on this matter and have made a submission to the recent consultation process held on the revision of the Exempt Development Regulations seeking an exemption for the erection of canopies at EV Charging Infrastructure. The revised Exempt Development Regulations are due to be published on 2026 and ZEVI will continue to liaise with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on this matter.
