Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
119. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if clarification been provided as to the amount of public charging capacity on the public charging network for the number of EVs currently registered in Ireland (as referred to on page 11 of the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2586/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is firmly committed to achieving a low-carbon economy by 2050, and the transport sector will play a pivotal role in this transition. The Climate Action Plan sets ambitious targets for the adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), aiming for 30% of the private car fleet to be electric by 2030. Fleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term for the transport sector.
As this target applies exclusively to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), ongoing modelling research is focused on determining the number of BEVs required to achieve the 30% goal. To support this transition, my Department is actively promoting BEV adoption through a range of measures, including financial incentives and other supports.
As outlined in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport Investment in EVs and EV infrastructure has steadily increased over the lifetime of the NDP to-date, with significant investment anticipated to 2030 through both EV grant incentives to offset the price differential with ICE equivalents and investment in EV infrastructure to accelerate delivery of required charging infrastructure through leveraging private sector investment, ensuring that EV infrastructure is deployed not only in the more commercially profitable locations but also in locations across the country, establishing a network that meets citizens’ needs.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging. 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. AFIR requirements set that there should be 1.3kw of capacity on the national network per BEV and 0.8kw capacity per PHEV.
Because the vast majority of capacity on the public charging network has, to date, been provided on a solely commercial basis, there is a number of different estimates of available capacity on the public charging network. TII, in conjunction with ZEVI, is undertaking a data analysis and cleansing exercise to provide a more accurate measurement of capacity on the public charging network, and it is anticipated that data from this will be available shortly.
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.
Additionally, significant capacity has been approved for funding through ZEVI schemes including:
LDV En-route Grant Schemes
• Under Phase 1 a total of 131 high-powered recharging points will be built across 17 recharging pools providing an additional 24,260 kilowatts (24 megawatts) recharging capacity.
• Under Phase 2 of the scheme, a total of 175 high-powered recharging points will be built across 53 recharging pools, providing an additional 20,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity.
• Under Phase 3 a total of 192 high-powered recharging points will be built across the 90 recharging pools, providing an additional 22,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity.
These initiatives will significantly expand high power charging availability across the national, regional and local road network, creating a more convenient and reliable system for drivers nationwide.
Local Authority Pilots
ZEVI has developed a EV charging infrastructure Pilot Programme with our Local Authorities. ZEVI aims to deliver 26 pilot projects across 15 Local Authorities. The focus for the Pilot programme is to provide charging infrastructure at locations that meet multiple user needs for Local Authority owned sites.
Following the delivery of the first pilot in Westside, Galway City in 2025, roll out of all qualifying pilots to be completed in 2026.
Shared Island Sports Club Scheme
The Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme provides funding to install a network of publicly accessible chargers in communities nationwide through their local sports clubs. Included in the scope of the Scheme are 227 clubs of which 179 are in Ireland and 48 in Northern Ireland. Almost 80 clubs have been approved in ROI to proceed engagement for installation with approved Charge Point Operators.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland works closely with ESB Networks to ensure the necessary connection requirements are planned and in place to meet the increasing needs for public charging.
