Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
736. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the publications of recommendations by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to on street charging cables for homes without driveways or other privately owned spaces to charge EVs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1678/26]
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.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) is a dedicated Office within the Department of Transport, charged with supporting consumers, the public sector and businesses to continue to make the switch to zero emission vehicles. The Office leads on the delivery of the Ireland’s ambitious targets under the Climate Action Plan 2023 to have an expected 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
There is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.
In July 2025, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) adopted a Strategy Statement on Private Wires. ZEVI fully supports this Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment led initiative.
In December 2025, I, as Minister for Transport, Climate, Energy and the Environment, secured government approval to commence drafting of the Private Wires Bill. The bill will amend the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 to enable private development of electricity wires in 4 specific circumstances.
Private wires legislation will aid the build-out of Ireland's electricity grid, whilst simultaneously accelerating the roll-out of renewable energy and electricity storage solutions. In this way, private development of electricity infrastructure will unlock new investment and alleviate grid constraints.
As per the approved Private Wires Policy Statement in July 2025, this bill will allow for private wires to be built in 4 limited circumstances:
• To permit a private wire linking a single user of electricity to a separate singular generation asset. This connection may also include storage technologies.
• To facilitate hybrid grid connections
• To allow on-street charging solutions for Electric Vehicles
• To allow a customer that self-supplies electricity to provide electricity to a separate customer in a contiguous premises.
In addition, 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 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.
