217. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to bring forward legislation governing domestic EV charging infrastructure; whether he will commit to providing clear interim guidance to local authorities to ensure consistent and fair treatment of existing EV owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49520/26]

218. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport his plans that forthcoming legislation on domestic EV charging infrastructure will include provisions for existing EV owners who have already installed private chargers, particularly where installation was carried out by a registered professional and meets recognised safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49521/26]

219. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport whether the proposed legislative framework will allow for the retention of existing home EV chargers that comply with professional installation standards, rather than requiring their removal; the criteria that will be used to determine eligibility for retention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49522/26]

220. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider issuing guidance to local authorities to pause or defer removal notices relating to existing EV chargers until the new legislative framework is enacted, in order to avoid unnecessary hardship for EV owners acting in good faith; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49523/26]

221. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if interim measures will be introduced to protect EV owners from enforcement actions by councils while national legislation is being prepared, particularly in areas where residents have already invested in EVs on the understanding that home charging was permissible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49524/26]

224. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if new legislation will include a certification or inspection pathway allowing existing EV chargers to be regularised where they meet professional installation and safety standards, rather than requiring full removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49527/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 217, 218, 219, 220, 221 and 224 together.

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.

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.

Home charging is, and is expected to remain, the primary means by which most drivers charge their vehicles. Public charging infrastructure plays a critical complementary role, not only in supporting enroute journeys, but also in ensuring that those who cannot charge at home are not disadvantaged and can participate fully in the transition to electric vehicles.

The Government recognises that the absence of off-street parking presents a particular challenge for some households. Addressing this barrier is a key priority. Work is underway to introduce new legislation establishing a regulated private wires regime. The General Scheme of the Private Wires Bill was approved by Government on 16 December 2025, and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has since been engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to progress drafting of the legislation. Pre-legislative scrutiny has been completed by the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy, with its report published on 22 April. It is intended that the Bill will complete its passage through the Oireachtas in due course.

Officials in the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and the Department of Transport are examining a solution to domestic EV charging where offstreet parking is not possible as part of the development of this new legislation and a solution will be included in the Bill as required. This will enable appropriate charging solutions to be deployed safely in residential settings where direct home charging is not currently possible.

Regarding the retention of existing infrastructure, it should be noted that under Section 13(10) of the Roads Act 1993 Local Authorities have the vires to remove EV infrastructure if it does not meet safety requirements or necessary permission was not obtained before installation. The Government is committed to making EVs and EV charging accessible to all and Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland will continue to engage with Local Authorities on EV charging infrastructure delivery.