159. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport if, in the context of Budget 2025, he will prioritise further investment in Ireland’s EV charging network in order to support the transition to EVs. [36867/24]

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.

The EV Charging infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025 sets out the Government’s ambition regarding the delivery of this network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.

This includes the National Road EV Charging Network Plan and the draft Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan.

The former 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 plan provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of regional and local EV charging infrastructure at destination and neighbourhood areas, in line with both national and European ambitions for cleaner transportation and will be led by Local Authorities.

In line with Climate Action Plan targets and EU Regulatory requirements - while continuing to incentivise the switch to EVs - we are moving Exchequer supports for fleet electrification towards building out charging infrastructure. This change also aligns with similar polices in European nations, where countries have begun to taper vehicle subsidies and shift government investment towards infrastructure. Having an effective and reliable charging network is essential to support the transition to EVs.