Sean Fleming
Ceist:389. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport when it is intended that EV charging points will be installed at locations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39372/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 26 May 2026
Ceisteanna (389)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.
While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is a vital need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, and for enroute charging.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging and installing EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. This strategy is currently being revised, and a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 was published for consultation between February and April (see www.zevi.ie/draft-national-ev-charging-infrastructure-strategy-2026-2028).
Based on official data provided to the national reporting platform by registered ChargePoint Operators (CPOs), there are currently 17 charging pools with 62 charge points delivering over 3,500 kw capacity in Co. Laois.
|
Address |
Area |
Current No. of Charging Points |
|
The Square R433 |
Rathdowney |
2 |
|
Circle K Service Station, M8 At Junction 3 (R |
Ballacolla |
3 |
|
Junction 3, M8 |
Ballacolla |
8 |
|
Temperance Street |
Abbeyleix |
2 |
|
Shannon Street Slieve Bloom House |
Mountrath |
1 |
|
Portlaoise Plaza, Exit 17, M7 |
Portlaoise |
8 |
|
Midway Complex, M7 Junction 17 |
Meelick |
4 |
|
Car Park beside ESB Offices, Abbeyleix Road |
Portlaoise |
2 |
|
James Fintan Lalor Avenue IE0275 |
Portlaoise |
2 |
|
Lyster Square |
Portlaoise |
2 |
|
Railway Street 1 |
Portlaoise |
12 |
|
Irish Rail, Station Road |
Portlaoise |
2 |
|
O'Moore Street |
Mountmellick |
2 |
|
The Heritage Hotel |
Killenard |
6 |
|
Irish Rail Train Station Car Park, Station Ro |
Portarlington |
2 |
|
Link Road 1 |
Cooltederry |
2 |
|
Public Car Park, Off Link Road |
Portarlington |
2 |
|
|
Total |
62 |
It should be noted that these data are provided directly by charge point operators (CPOs) and there are some small differences in approach across CPOs in relation to the format of data provided. The Department of Transport is currently finalising a ZEVI Data Strategy and associated data platforms with Transport Infrastructure Ireland. This Strategy is being finalised following consultation and will be published shortly. Once in place, these will enhance TII’s and the Department’s ability to monitor this infrastructure more accurately. The system will enable measures to be put in place to enhance accuracy of data provided by CPOs in relation to charge-points in near real time and provide these comprehensive data on an Open Data basis.
Future planned projects to be delivered in Laois by the private sector and CPOs, supported by Exchequer-funded National Road Network Grant Schemes include 5 charging pools with 24 charging points with an additional 3,550 kw capacity with locations shown on the table below.
|
Address |
Area |
Planned No. of Charging Points |
|
Portlaoise Plaza |
Portlaoise |
8 |
|
Ballacolla |
Ballacolla |
8 |
|
Drive Mountrath Road Portlaoise |
Portlaoise |
4 |
|
Breslins Supervalu Abbeyleix |
Abbeyleix |
2 |
|
Corrib Oil Mountmellick |
Mountmellick |
2 |
|
|
Total |
24 |
There is also a Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging. The plan will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors. Laois has been identified under Region 2 with counties Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath, and the Regional Lead, Offaly.
It is expected planned projects under the National and Regional schemes will be completed by end of 2026.
A third initiative, 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. There are 5 eligible clubs in Laois: Annanough GAA 1, Clonaslee St Manmans GAA 1, Park Ratheniska GAA Club 1, The Heath Golf Club 1, and The Heritage Golf Resort.