Improved access to electric vehicle (EV) charging points is amongst the new measures announced by the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to promote interest in electric cars.
The plan aims for EV chargers every 60km along the motorway network. Mr Ryan said: "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.
"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 move has been welcomed by Kevin McPartlan of Fuels for Ireland (FFI), which represents forecourt operators and fuel providers. However, the FFI said the Government could do more to support those in the sector, including a streamlined approach to the planning process for installing charging points, describing the current operation as "little short of a joke".
The Government's National Road EV Charging Network Plan also includes measures to improve home and apartment charging, destination charging and residential neighbourhood charging (including new mobility hubs).
Alongside the new plan, the Government has also launched new universal design guidelines for EV charging stations, alongside a public consultation for the delivery of regional and local plans for charging points in cities, towns and villages.
"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,” Mr Ryan said.
The newly announced plans will run alongside current schemes such as 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).
The Department of Transport said these schemes are currently live and expected to begin delivery on the ground in late 2024, early 2025.
Sales of EVs have fallen significantly this year. While the market up to the end of last week was up 4.7 per cent overall, new EV sales are down nearly 22 per cent on the same period last year. In comparison, sales of new petrol cars are up 12 per cent while diesel car sales are up 8.9 per cent.
