Drivers of EVs who are unable to charge their vehicles at home will now have more options in their local area, with approximately 200 chargers set to be brought into operation in 50 key locations.
This initiative will double the number of public charging stations currently in place in Dublin.
It is estimated that Dublin will require at least 8,000 electric vehicle charging points over the next six years to accommodate the growing number of EV owners.
Irish company ePower has been selected to undertake the rollout following a competitive Europe-wide tender process.
The 200 chargers will be installed in local authority-owned car parks in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Dublin city, Fingal and South Dublin, as well as community centres, libraries and sports clubs.
While Dublin currently has the most charging points for EV owners in the country, the majority of these are privately installed.
With EV ownership expected to increase over the next few years, the Dublin EV Strategy developed by the four local authorities has targeted the deployment of up to 1,650 charge points at highly frequented destinations.
The initial rollout will include locations such as Carysfort Avenue, Glasthule Road, Foxrock Village Car Park, Braemore Road, and many others throughout the county.
John O’Keeffe, CEO of ePower, said this “first of its kind” rollout is a significant recognition of the importance of infrastructure for EV drivers as we move towards zero-carbon transport.
Paul Kennedy, Director of Infrastructure and Climate Change, James Phelan, Senior Engineer, Councillor Jim O’Leary, An Cathaoirleach, and Senior Executive Engineer, Mary Hegarty with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County
“It’s our mission to make charging easy and accessible for everyone. This is especially important for those living in apartments, townhouses and terraces, as they often lack access to home charging,” he said.
“A programme like this really breaks down barriers to choosing to drive an EV. The four Dublin local authorities have recognised this and shown the vision and support needed to encourage more environmentally friendly personal transport.
“We are looking forward to working closely with the four Dublin local authorities to deliver this ambitious project,” he added.
The Government aims to see at least 845,000 EVs on the road by 2030, a target that follows EU adoption of a law mandating all new cars and vans sold in Europe to be zero-emission by 2035.
Fast chargers, like those being rolled out in Dublin, are typically installed along motorways to facilitate quick charging for vehicles travelling longer distances.
Their installation in and around the city is designed to simplify the EV charging process and encourage electric driving.
While the full list of locations for the chargers is still being finalised, it is hoped the first sites will become operational in the first quarter of 2025.
Some of the initial locations identified include:
Cllr Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said: “The availability of EVs is improving, with more new cars sold that can be charged electrically.
“That is why enhanced infrastructure is necessary to ensure widespread access across Dublin, particularly since many drivers do not have access to private, off-street parking for charging.
“By significantly expanding public charging options, it will give more people confidence that choosing an EV for their next vehicle is not only feasible but also a convenient option,” he added.
