Ireland is introducing an €8,500 grant to encourage motorists to switch from petrol or diesel vehicles to electric ones. However, the current infrastructure of 4,000 charging points is less than one-third of the EU average, creating significant challenges for drivers without off-street parking.
What is the government doing to fix the charging gap?
According to Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, the government plans to invest approximately €45 million in new charging points this year. This investment is intended to lead to a 30 per cent improvement in the nation’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
This funding follows the announcement of a new scrappage scheme designed to make the transition to cleaner driving more financially accessible. While the €8,500 incentive has been broadly welcomed, experts suggest it is only one part of a much larger infrastructure puzzle.
Why is off-street parking a major obstacle for EV owners?
For many urban residents, the transition to electric driving isn’t just about the cost of the car, but the logistical difficulty of “refuelling.” Patrick O’Neill, an EV driver of four years living in a Dublin 7 terrace, notes that home charging is impossible in his current setup.
O’Neill highlights that many ESB chargers are located on streets where drivers must pay for parking, which can add at least €3 per hour to the charging process. He also noted the frustration of receiving unreliable information regarding parking exemptions while charging.
Beyond the cost, there are significant safety and liability concerns. The Department of Transport’s draft EV charging infrastructure strategy for 2026-2028 suggests running cables from homes to on-street parking through narrow channels dug into footpaths. This method, currently being piloted in Northern Ireland, requires homeowners to manage the cutting, sealing, and maintenance of the paths at their own expense.
Many EV owners fear this option could become bogged down in heavy costs and protracted administrative procedures.
Can street lights solve the community charging problem?
John O’Keefe, chief executive of ePower, suggests that repurposing the tens of thousands of lamp-posts across Ireland could be a “very practical solution.” Since most lamp-posts could accommodate a slow charge, they could serve communities without driveways.
However, a technical hurdle remains. Irish lamp-posts are currently unmetered, meaning there is no existing way to charge users for the electricity they consume. O’Keefe argues that installing mini-meters would be a “far more elegant solution” than the alternative of cutting up pavements to run cables from private homes.
What does the “right to charge” look like in practice?
Matthew Sealy, Chairman of the Irish EV Association, believes EV owners should be granted a “right to charge” similar to those in other EU countries. He advocates for expanding charging access to “high-dwell” locations where people naturally spend time.
According to Sealy, installing more charging points in places like sports clubs, shopping centres, and cinemas would fundamentally reduce the load on the DC (direct current) high power network. He points to models in Belgium, where shared parking complexes for businesses include charging points at every single space, as the standard Ireland should strive to reach.
While some local authorities in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick have been proactive in installing community charging points, Sealy suggests that a more unified, widespread approach is necessary to make EV ownership viable for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the new EV grant?
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien unveiled a plan to offer motorists €8,500 to swap old petrol or diesel cars for new electric ones.
What is the main issue with current charging points?
Ireland has roughly 4,000 charging points, which is less than one-third of the EU average. Additionally, motorists have reported that some motorway charging points are often broken.
How can people without driveways charge their cars?
Proposed solutions include repurposing street lights with mini-meters, using community charging at shopping centres, or running cables through narrow channels in footpaths.
What do you think about the proposed charging solutions? Would you support running cables through your local footpath to enable home charging? Let us know in the comments below or explore our other latest news updates.
