627. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding plans to expand the national network of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to improve accessibility and reliability for motorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59029/26]

The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years in support of 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 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, being revised for the period 2026-2028, outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging and installing EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs.

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.

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 are being funded by ZEVI 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. Exchequer funding of EUR15m has been made available in 2026 for the rollout of local and regional EV charging infrastructure.

In addition to funding provided to Local Authorities for the roll-out of Local and Regional charging infrastructure, a further EUR20m of exchequer funding has been allocated for the rollout of the LDV National Road Grant Schemes. These schemes provide financial support for the installation of high-powered recharging pools along key sections of the national roads, prioritising fast and ultra-fast charging for EV drivers, with 155 sites being supported through the LDV1, LDV2 and LDV3 Grant Schemes.

Lastly, the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Infrastructure Scheme is a €15 million all-island initiative supporting the installation of publicly accessible EV chargers in sports clubs. The aim of the scheme is to install a network of publicly accessible EV chargers in communities throughout the country, through their local sports clubs. Included in the scheme are 219 clubs of which 171 are in Ireland and 48 in Northern Ireland.