Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 May 2024
106. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline who has responsibility for the planning, choosing of locations, management and maintenance of the national on-street EV charging network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19605/24]
View answerThe ongoing National EV Infrastructure roll out will be delivered by a mix of the public and private sector, however an accelerated roll out will be delivered through Local Authorities in partnership with both the public and private sectors.
The National EV Infrastructure Plan consists of the National Road Network EV Charging Plan which was published for public consultation (as the National Enroute EV Infrastructure Plan) in Sept 2023 and the Draft Regional and Local EV charging Network Plan.
The former plan will provide for the installation of high power charging infrastructure along the Motorway and National road Network to meet National targets set at EU level.
The latter plans for the delivery of EV Infrastructure at Destination and Neighbourhood locations and will be a mix of high power DC charging and Fast AC charging to suit user needs. The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan will be published for public consultation in May 2024 and will be delivered through Local Authorities. Local authorities are ideally suited to accelerate the delivery of charging infrastructure at the local level that is financially sustainable and best ensures equitable access for all.
Local authorities are well-positioned with:
• a deep understanding of local communities’ needs,
• experience in delivering major infrastructure projects,
• ownership of suitable site locations,
• an ability to leverage private resources and funding through contracts and planning functions,
• an ability to align EV infrastructure projects with national and local policies, strategies and projects such as existing climate action, active travel, e-mobility, demand management, housing and infrastructure projects, and
• an ability to coordinate and deliver projects across county borders in partnership with other local authorities and key stakeholders.
Local authorities and regional areas will develop EV charging infrastructure strategies and implementation plans. These strategies will complement national and local policies, strategies and plans, including the National Road Network EV Charging Plan and the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, and put forth targets for local charging infrastructure at destination and neighbourhood locations.
ZEVI will provide guidance to Local Authorities for developing their strategies and subsequent implementation plans. These local strategies will be critical in supporting progress towards achieving transport-related emissions reductions obligations laid out in each of the Local Authority Climate Action Plans.
Following Strategy development Local Authorities will identify suitable sites and location to install the EV charging Infrastructure to meet user needs. This will be done in partnership with other public and private sector bodies who will be installing infrastructure in tandem with the local authorities.
It is envisaged that Local Authorities will work in partnership with the private sector using appropriate contractual arrangements to install and operate this infrastructure to 2030 in order to facilitate the transition to EVs and beyond 2030 that the private market will be robust enough to install any future infrastructure based on user demand and need.
