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Public Consultation on the National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan Now Open

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, has today launched a public consultation on the National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan which will see chargers installed every 60km on major roads.Developed by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated office of the Department of Transport, the National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan identifies the level of charging infrastructure required for the national road network to keep ahead of the needs of the quickly growing EV driver population. This includes the steps for implementation and successful delivery, timelines and the potential funding supports to accelerate delivery.Launching the public consultation, Minister Ryan said: “The National EV Charging Network Plan will drive the delivery of charging infrastructure on the National Road Network. The Plan sets out ambitious targets for the level and coverage needed for En-Route charging on our national roads network.  We are already seeing significant increased capacity of EV charging on our national roads, and this plan provides 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. The Plan sets out a provision of EV charging that will be ahead of demand. The implementation of this Plan through enhanced grid connections,funding interventions and enabling measures will remove barriers and accelerate the delivery of high-powered EV charging. The National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan is the first element of the National EV Charging Network Plan which, will cover all publicly accessible EV charging. In addition to En-Route charging infrastructure, ZEVI is also working with local authorities to develop the other elements of this national plan which will include destination and neighbourhood charging”. Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Jack Chambers TD, welcomed today’s launch, saying: “The launch of the the National En-Route EV Charging Network Plan is a positive step forward in Ireland’s ambitious goals around EV charging infrastructure. To be ahead of demand, development of this infrastructure and its implementation is vital. I would like to that the CEOs of both TII and ESB for their support and collaboration in this shared national effort, and commend the work of both organisations in furthering the way forward to greener, cleaner transport for all."The Plan is an important step in delivering the National Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025 which was launched earlier this year and the commitment to delivering a national EV charging network across the country.It will also support the Transport Chapter of the Government’s CAP ambitions and the steps required to reduce Ireland’s carbon emission journey towards a fully decarbonised transport sector by 2050.The closing date for taking part in the public consultation is 5pm on Friday, November 10, 2023. The responses will then be analysed, evaluated, and will inform the development of a final document which will be published in early 2024.  

To find out more and to have your say, visit https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/a57ee-draft-national-en-route-ev-charging-network-plan-public-consultation/. 

ENDS