386. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need to develop a network of mobility hubs in all major towns with bus/ rail connectivity, EV charging, pay as you go bike and car hire to facilitate multi-modal journeys; the progress to achieve electric vehicle targets by 2030; if he will report on his engagements with local authorities and ESB Networks in respect of the need to increase the provision of on-street electric chargers especially for communities without front gardens or off-street parking since April 2026, including a schedule of meetings; the issues discussed at each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55438/26]

This Government recognises the important role that mobility hubs can play in supporting more sustainable travel choices. Shared mobility can complement public transport services by facilitating last-mile connections to destinations making it easier for people to make their journeys without the use of a private car. Reflecting this ambition, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish mobility hubs in every local authority area. These hubs will support greater integration between public transport and shared mobility services, helping to reduce reliance on private car use while expanding access to affordable and sustainable transport options.

To support this objective, I published the National Policy Statement on Shared Mobility and the Provision of Mobility Hubs in June 2025. The Policy Statement sets out a framework for the expansion of shared mobility services across Ireland and identifies an interconnected network of mobility hubs, integrated with existing public transport services, as a key enabler of successful shared mobility. A number of supporting actions were also included in the latest National Sustainable Mobility Policy Action Plan, published in March 2025.

Additionally, the replacement of the existing TFI bike schemes in the regional cities with new Regional Shared Micromobility Schemes is currently underway. These schemes will operate across larger geographical areas and will include a greater proportion of e-bikes within their fleets, expanding the availability and attractiveness of shared mobility options.

The Government is also fully committed to supporting the target to have an expected 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030. As of end June, there are 247,363 electric vehicles under current taxation in Ireland, and the SEAI EV Purchase Grant Incentive of EUR3,500 for new eligible battery electric vehicles, along with other tax, VRT, and BIK incentives, have been important in facilitating this level of uptake.

Having an effective and reliable charging network is also 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.

Separately, officials in the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the Department of Transport and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, along with the Local Government Management Agency, are collaboratively examining options to support EV charging for households that do not have access to off-street parking. This work is being considered as part of the broader development of EV charging policy and infrastructure to ensure that drivers without access to home charging can participate fully in the transition to electric vehicles. Any measures brought forward will need to be safe, practical and appropriate for residential settings.

The Government is committed to making EVs and EV charging accessible to all and Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland engages with Local Authorities and ESB Networks on an ongoing basis regarding EV charging infrastructure delivery.