521. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the roll out of EV charging infrastructure; the targets which have been set; the estimated date for reaching those targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62901/26]

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 and due to be published in the coming weeks, 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 regional and local EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process will identify the number of recharging points required in each area, including Neighbourhood chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking.

In addition, ZEVI are also supporting 26 Local Authority EV Charging Pilot Projects across Ireland, as well as Dublin LAs and Limerick city and County Council destination pilot Schemes to help accelerate the delivery of destination charging infrastructure across these Counties. It is envisaged that the schemes will deliver 393 additional recharging points and circa 16,500kW of additional recharging capacity. The pilot schemes will provide significant insight and learnings which will be translated into destination and neighbourhood projects which are planned to be rolled out across all Local Authorities between 2028 and 2030 (subject to funding) and will complement the current roll out along Motorways and National roads under the LDV schemes and the Shared Island Sports Scheme

In addition to funding provided to Local Authorities for the roll-out of Local and Regional charging infrastructure, support has been allocated for the rollout of the LDV National Road Grant Schemes. These schemes provide financial support towards the installation of high-powered recharging pools along key sections of the national roads, prioritising fast and ultra-fast charging for EV drivers, with 143 sites being supported through the LDV1, LDV2 and LDV3 Grant Schemes. Approximately 50 recharging stations from the LDV schemes are operational with circa 150 expected more to come live this year. A further 40 are scheduled to come online in early 2027.

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. At this stage a total of 135 clubs has now formally entered the scheme and selected a CPO. Two sites are live and operational and a further 12 are in various stages of construction.