Investment to Expand EV⁣ Infrastructure Nationwide

Ireland is investing €9.9 million in a new phase of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure,focusing on‍ expanding access ‍to high-quality charging points in rural areas. The initiative, funded through the Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) initiative operated by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) and delivered ‍by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, aims to support⁤ local⁤ economies, tourism, and regional development.

According to Mr. O’Brien, ⁢”Importantly, this investment‍ will also bring high-quality, high-powered EV charging to more rural locations, helping to‍ promote local economies, support tourism,⁢ and strengthen regional development.”

Phase 3: Expanding the Network

This latest phase (Phase 3) of the ‍LDV initiative will focus on over 2,900km ⁣of primary and secondary roads. The funding‍ is available through a competitive grant process open to enterprises such as petrol/service station operators, car-park ⁣owners, hotels, supermarkets/retail outlets, and ⁤othre businesses with publicly-accessible ‍sites. Triumphant ‍applicants will install and operate the new charging hubs.

This⁢ builds⁣ upon previous ZEVI investments. the National Road⁢ Network EV Charging Plan has already awarded grants for:

• 149 new high-power recharging points at 19 locations along motorway/dual-carriageway networks.
• 175‍ fast and ⁤ultra-fast recharging points at 53 ‍locations along the national road network.

Timeline and Availability

The new LDV Phase 3 EV recharging⁢ infrastructure is expected to be available for public use by the end of the first ‍quarter ⁣of 2026. This timeline allows for the grant submission process, site selection, installation, and testing of ⁢the new charging points.

Funding Details ‍and Previous Investments

The total allocation for this Light duty Vehicle Phase 3 scheme is €9.9 million.This is part⁢ of the ‍wider ZEVI National Road Network EV Charging‍ Plan. Here’s a breakdown of previous funding allocations: