142. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport the number of EV chargers in operation which are publicly accessible across Ireland, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46250/26]

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years and reaching climate targets. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.

Based on official data provided to the national reporting platform by registered ChargePoint Operators (CPOs), the view of the current number of publicly available recharging points per county is shown below.

It should be noted that data is 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.

The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) sets binding national targets for all Member States to ensure adequate deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure for the road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors. It also defines unified technical standards and requirements for user access, data sharing and payment systems to ensure consistency and interoperability across the EU. The requirements include minimum power output and the maximum distance allowable between recharging pools (one or more recharging stations in one specific location).

In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under AFIR and depending on level of power supplied at charging points, it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally by 2030. AFIR requirements state that there should be 1.3kW of capacity on the national network per BEV and 0.8kW capacity per PHEV.

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.Further, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on neighbourhood and destination charging locations, will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.

Local authorities will be funded by my Department, through Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking.