The new charging stations will be brought online over the next two years, aiming to supply power for drivers who cannot charge their electric vehicles at home. According to the initiators, “This collaborative effort will help pave the way for smoother infrastructure development, better resource allocation, and greater convenience for EV owners[…].”
“This rollout marks a substantial investment that will go some way to strengthening the EV charging network in the Dublin region and help us to reach net zero carbon emissions,” said Cllr Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, adding: “Along with significantly expanding public charging options, it gives more people confidence that choosing an EV for their next vehicle is not only feasible, but also a convenient option.”
The initiators point out that while Dublin already has the most charging points in the country, the majority of these are privately owned and a lack of public charging points has been identified. Considering the city expects around 138,000 EVs on the roads over the next few years, it expects around a quarter of these to rely on public charging infrastructure. Additionally, a BIK (benefit in kind) tax relief will be introduced from next year for private charging stations.
“This rollout shows we’re totally committed to promoting the adoption of electric vehicles on our streets for the health and wellbeing of everyone in the County and for the good of the environment. We look forward to seeing these much-needed chargers coming into use,” explained Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.
This marks the first Dublin-based public charging infrastructure expansion since the Irish energy company ESB introduced its pay-for-use system in early 2023. A system of 17 high-power charging hubs was announced in July along the country’s National Road Network, which will see a total of 131 HPC points installed by the end of 2025. A charging grant worth €21 million was announced in February to stimulate the private sector, targeting publicly available facilities within a 3 km driving distance of the motorway network such as service area operators, hotels, and retail outlets.