Construction BUSINESS

In a significant move towards promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the Irish government has unveiled a €21 million (£18m) grant program aimed at installing new EV recharging infrastructure along the Republic’s motorways and dual carriageways.

Under the scheme, support will be provided for the installation of high-power recharging pools with a 1200kW power output every 60 kilometers, with a minimum of four 150kW recharging points proposed for each pool.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan emphasized that the grant program seeks to incentivize the private sector to establish new recharging pools by the end of 2025. The initiative targets publicly available facilities within a 3km driving distance of the Republic’s motorway and dual-carriageway network, including service area operators, hotels, and retail outlets.

Additionally, Minister Ryan announced plans for further schemes in the coming year, aimed at enhancing recharging infrastructure across other parts of the road network, as well as introducing recharging facilities at destinations and in neighborhoods.

“This will help ensure that we have pools of high-speed chargers at dependable distances along our road network,” stated Minister Ryan. “It will give assurance to EV drivers that they will have accessible and rapid charging facilities on their journeys, driving even further EV adoption and helping to reduce our emissions.”

Highlighting Ireland’s suitability for EVs due to a higher proportion of residents living in houses with charging space, Minister Ryan emphasized the country’s advantage in EV adoption. With over 110,000 EVs already on the road, the grant program aims to bolster this advantage, providing reliability for EV drivers who may not have the option to charge at home.

The initiative marks a significant step towards building a robust EV charging infrastructure, supporting Ireland’s transition to sustainable transportation and reducing emissions.