Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has confirmed plans to deliver more charging networks for national electric vehicles.
Under these plans, a network of EV chargers would be placed every 60km along the motorway, as well as chargers in homes, destination charging, and charging places for residential neighbourhoods.
These polices would support the Irish Government’s Climate Action Plan, as well as the transition to a fully decarbonised transport sector by the year 2050.
“ambitious targets”
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan outlined the targets for this National Road Plan, which is to focus on road networks.
“The National Road Plan constitutes the first part of a National EV Charging Network Plan, focusing on the En-Route, Motorway and Primary and Secondary Road Network,” Mr Ryan said.
“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”.
In order for these new EV charging stations to be accessed easily by the public, Universal Design Guidelines have also been launched.
“The Universal Design Guidelines have been developed to support the rollout of well-designed, easy-to-use charging infrastructure across the country,” Mr Ryan explained.
He also added: “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”.
Minister Ryan To Launch Public Consultation
Mr Ryan has also launched a public consultation for the delivery of a Regional and Local Plan, which will help to facilitate public charging points placed in cities, towns and villages in Ireland.
Mr 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”, the Transport Minister added.
“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”.
The closing date for submitting to these public consultations on this Regional and Local Plans is July 19.
These responses will help the development of a final document on this plan, which is to be published in the second half of this year.
