There's to be a major change in the Irish infrastructure with news that car 'charge points' are to be installed.

Irish Energy Minister Eamon Ryan and ESB Chief Executive, Padraig McManus, have launched the country's first Electric Vehicle charge points.

The charge points were unveiled in Dublin city centre and mark the beginning of a nationwide infrastructure that aims to revolutionise transport in Ireland.

Charge points will eventually be installed in homes, on-street and along motorways throughout Ireland so electric cars can be powered at a wide range of accessible venues.

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Speaking at the launch, Minister Ryan described the development as "a genuine first for Ireland".

"Just over a year ago, the Government announced its intention that 10% of the Irish motoring fleet will be electric by 2020," he said.

"We have seen great progress since then. Ireland will be among the first in the world with this kind of nationwide infrastructure. It is bold, ambitious and will show Ireland as a global leader in the green economy.

"We will continue to press ahead with our plans to reach, if not exceed, our targets and change the face of Irish motoring."

Padraig McManus said ESB plans to build 3,500 charge points by the end of 2011 – a total of 2000 domestic units and a further 1500 on-street charge points. Up to 30 fast chargers will also be installed by end of next year, he added.

(NS/BMcc)