Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 February 2024
42. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of local authorities that have installed EV charging networks with his Department's support; the number of locations in each case; and the planned and approved locations scheduled to be installed. [8235/24]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (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.
Home charging is and will remain the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer. Home charging also assists in the overall management of the national grid by reducing the impact of reliance on higher powered and peak-time charging. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, however for those unable to do so a growing network of neighbourhood and destination charging will provide a reliable alternative.
Some Local Authorities have delivered public charging infrastructure through a range of measures; for example, through the (now closed) SEAI public charging point grant; through arrangements with charge point operators (CPOs - not funded from central government); and through projects such as the FASTER Project, through European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, part funded by the Department of Transport, which delivered 27 High Power DC Charge points at 14 Locations across Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Leitrim, Cavan, Sligo and Donegal.
ZEVI have also funded pilot Local Authority EV infrastructure projects such as in Limerick, where the Council has installed infrastructure in 2023 for 30 High power DC charge points at 15 Locations. There are a number of early mover Local Authorities such as the Dublin Local Authorities who are completing their Strategy development and are currently out to tender for 200 high Power AC and DC charge points at 50 locations across the Dublin region and Cork City, Galway City and Limerick City are nearing completion of their EV infrastructure strategies. These pilot projects will be supported by ZEVI and will provide valuable additions to public EV infrastructure in these areas.
However there is still a further need to provide a coordinated and planned delivery of the EV infrastructure needed to meet European and Climate Action targets to facilitate the transition to EVs. To address this and to transition to a planned lead approach, ZEVI is currently developing The Regional and Local EV infrastructure Network Plan. This plan will provide a pathway for the accelerated delivery of regional and local networks of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at destination and neighbourhood areas, in line with both national and European ambitions for cleaner transportation. This plan ensures a cohesive and standardised approach. It will be led by local authorities, working together to develop regional strategies, promoting a unified and efficient rollout of charging infrastructure, facilitating nationwide integration of EVs. The plan will be published for public consultation in March 2024.
The accelerated expansion of public destination and neighbourhood charging infrastructure will be led by local authorities with the support and in partnership with other public sector bodies, private sector groups and other stakeholders. As part of this plan, local authorities will regionalise and develop their EV Infrastructure Strategies and subsequent implementation plans for public infrastructure at destination and neighbourhood locations. ZEVI will support local authorities including direct funding of projects and resources needed to deliver the accelerated and coordinated roll out of EV infrastructure.
