Four new EV recharging hubs in Clare mark 'significant step' in promoting local economies

Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien has announced the sites of four new recharging hubs to service the expanding electric vehicle (EV) fleet across Clare's road network. 

Almost €10 million will be allocated nationwide to support grants for recharging infrastructure at the selected sites.  

These new installations will deliver 192 new fast recharging points, with an average capacity of typically 250kW, at 90 locations along the national primary and secondary road network.

In Clare, the following sites will see the input of EV recharging hubs: Falls Hotel and Spa in Ennistymon, Circle K in Lissycasey, Kilrush Golf Club and Fitzpatricks Supervalu, also in Ennistymon. 

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The announcement is part of a wider plan to build a reliable recharging network across the country, with the distance between recharging hubs envisaged as 30km or less.

Minister O’Brien said: “Today’s announcement marks the final major phase of our Light Duty Vehicle initiative, following the earlier Phase 1 and Phase 2 schemes, and completes this series of investments in our national EV charging network. Together, these schemes aim to ensure that drivers across Ireland will have reliable access to high-powered charging, making the transition to electric practical and convenient. 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.”

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, said: “I am delighted to see the rollout of these EV recharging hubs right across regional and rural Ireland. Achieving our climate action plan targets will only be possible if drivers know they can charge conveniently and reliably, and today’s announcement is another significant step towards achieving that. This investment marks an important step in giving people the assurance that switching to electric is not only the right choice for the environment, but also a practical one for their daily journeys.” 

The recharging hubs are funded through the Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) initiative operated by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland and delivered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). 

This phase of the initiative focused on over 2,900km of primary and secondary roads. Enterprise owners such as petrol/service station operators, car park owners, hotels, supermarkets/retail outlets and others with publicly accessible sites, could apply through a competitive grant process for funding. 

Lorcan O’Connor, CEO of TII, said: “TII is pleased to drive the delivery of this final phase of the EV recharging infrastructure identified in the ZEVI National Road Network Plan. The scheme will make the most significant contribution so far towards the vision of providing a fully expansive EV recharging infrastructure network across all National Roads. This network will connect regional and urban communities, enhancing user confidence in Electric Vehicles and further support the Avoid-Shift-Improve framework of the Climate Action Plan and the electrification of Ireland’s car fleet. The final delivery of the LDV phase 3 EV recharging infrastructure, when combined with the previous LDV phases 1 and 2, will be a major step in helping to reduce range anxiety.”

This also complements other supports already in place, including the EV purchase grant, home charger grants, apartment charger grants, lower rates of motor tax, BIK relief and the reduced VRT for EVs.

This LDV Phase 3 EV recharging infrastructure is envisaged to be available for public use by the end of Quarter 1 2026.