The National Road EV Charging Network Plan also sets out the government's ambitions for delivery of home and apartment charging, destination charging and residential neighbourhood charging (including new mobility hubs). The Universal Design Guidelines provide technical assistance to ensure the design, installation and operating infrastructure of electric vehicle charging stations can be used easily and conveniently by everyone.
Minister Ryan announced the final publication of the National Road EV Charging Network Plan, following public consultation, and the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Universal Design Guidelines.
The government says these are important steps in the delivery of the National Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025 and together constitute the national Plan for the EV charging network across the country.
They also support the Transport Chapter of the Government’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) ambitions, and the steps required to reduce Ireland’s carbon emission journey towards a fully decarbonised transport sector by 2050.
Minister Ryan said: “The National Road Plan constitutes the first part of a National EV Charging Network Plan, focussing on the En-Route, Motorway and Primary and Secondary Road Network. The Plan sets out ambitious targets for the level and coverage needed for charging on our national roads network, including chargers installed every 60km on major roads.
"The Universal Design Guidelines have been developed to support the rollout of well-designed, easy-to-use charging infrastructure across the country. The Guidelines have been developed following a review of international and industry best practices and engagement with a diverse group of stakeholders, and provide the opportunity to be leaders in the world for accessibility and functionality.
"Both measures provide additional reassurance and certainty for EV drivers, and those thinking of making the switch to EVs, that they will be able to find high-powered, fast and convenient EV charge-points where and when they need them.”
Ryan also announced the next stage of the delivery of EV charging infrastructure through the opening of a public consultation on the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which will focus on public charging in cities, towns and villages around the country.
Developed by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated office of the Department of Transport, the Regional and Local Plan constitutes the second part of the National EV Charging Network Plan.
Launching the public consultation, Ryan said: “The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan provides a path for the accelerated delivery of regional and local networks of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in cities, towns and villages across Ireland. In line with both national and European ambitions for clean transportation, it ensures a cohesive and standardised approach. This will be led by local authorities working together to develop regional strategies that promote a unified and efficient rollout of charging infrastructure, and facilitate the nationwide integration of EVs.”
Working towards achieving both national and European ambitions for cleaner transportation, the plans outline a path to deliver on these ambitions, coupled with a package of proposals on investment, regulation, and policy instruments.
This includes the roll out of public accessible charge points through the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme, the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) Community Facilities EV Charging Scheme, and the Motorway Grant scheme for EV Charging (the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Light Duty Vehicle En-Route Grant Scheme), all of which are currently live and expected to begin delivery on the ground in late 2024, early 2025.
The closing date for taking part in the public consultation for the Local and Regional Plan is 19 July 2024.
The responses will then be analysed, evaluated, and will inform the development of a final document which will be published in the second half of 2024.
