Ireland presents a new strategy for charging infrastructure by 2028
Ireland will continue to expand its charging infrastructure by the end of 2028. A new national strategy includes adding more fast-charging stations along major traffic routes as well as more charging options in residential areas.
Transport Minister O’Brien presents Ireland’s new charging strategy.
Image: Department of Transport Ireland
The Irish government has introduced a new national strategy for expanding charging infrastructure. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien unveiled the National EV Infrastructure Strategy 2026–2028 on November 4. It aims to ensure that the public charging network keeps up with the growing number of electric vehicles and that there are sufficient charging options across the country.
According to the Transport Department, over 270,000 electric vehicles are now registered in Ireland. This exceeds the target set in the 2025 climate action plan. The government states that electric vehicles now account for 26.3 percent of new vehicle registrations, making them the largest vehicle category.
Meanwhile, the charging infrastructure has also expanded. Nationwide, there are currently over 3,620 publicly accessible charging stations at more than 1,200 locations. According to the government, their combined installed charging capacity amounts to around 280 MW.
Fast charging parks and more charging options in residential areas
The new strategy builds on the previous development plan and sets priorities for the end of 2028. A key focus is the establishment of high-capacity charging parks along national roads and major traffic routes, aimed at facilitating charging over longer distances.
At the same time, the government aims to expand charging services in residential areas. The focus is on people who do not have their own parking space or private charging facility, such as residents of apartment buildings and densely populated neighborhoods. Charging at designated locations is also set to be further developed.
Another priority is the accessibility and interoperability of charging infrastructure. New installations should be designed to be as barrier-free as possible and compatible with various vehicles and payment systems. Additionally, expansion should be balanced across regions and meet the requirements of the European Regulation on the Development of Infrastructure for Alternative Fuels (AFIR).
In addition to passenger cars, the strategy also covers commercial vehicle fleets and heavy commercial vehicles. For these, charging facilities are to be planned both at depots and along key transport routes in the future. However, the statement does not provide specific expansion figures for each vehicle segment.
As an example of the ongoing expansion, the government cites a new fast-charging station by Circle K in Maynooth, which was also unveiled on November 4. Furthermore, three funding programs for charging infrastructure along national roads are set to support the development of high-capacity charging sites.
The expansion of charging infrastructure is part of broader measures to promote electric mobility in Ireland. In February 2026, the government launched another subsidy program for the electrification of taxis and ride-sharing services, allocating seven million euros for this purpose. Depending on the vehicle type and requirements, operators can receive grants of up to 25,000 euros.
In implementing the new charging strategy, the government relies on cooperation with local authorities, infrastructure providers, and other public institutions. An interim evaluation is planned for 2027 to assess progress and adjust the strategy as needed to reflect technological advancements and changing requirements.