The Electric Vehicle revolution in Ireland has been boosted with the signing of some new regulations.

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien TD approved the publication of EU (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2021 for Electric Vehicle recharging infrastructure, which will transpose requirements under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

The Directive aims to support the European Union's commitment to the clean energy transition, energy efficiency and decarbonisation of the building stock. The regulations will support at a building level the transition to electric vehicles.

Lack of recharging infrastructure is a barrier to the take-up of electric vehicles in the EU and the revised EPBD has new provisions which aim to accelerate infrastructure deployment. Electric vehicles offer great potential to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas and local air pollution emissions, and resulting climate change impact. These regulations require the implementation of appropriate infrastructure, to enable the installation at a later stage of recharging points for Electric Vehicles, for new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major renovation, with more than ten car parking spaces. They also require the installation of a minimum number of recharging points for all non-residential buildings with more than twenty car parking spaces by 01 January 2025.

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Commenting on the regulations, Minister O'Brien said: "These regulations will continue to enable our Climate Action targets in buildings. These new requirements for Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure add to the Nearly Zero Energy Building Standards already in place for all new buildings being constructed. The regulations will allow and accelerate the uptake of Electric Vehicles, creating and enabling infrastructure to achieve the Government commitment of nearly 1 million Electric Vehicles by 2030.

"We are sending a strong signal of Ireland's commitment to the clean energy transition, as the building sector has a vast potential to contribute to a carbon-neutral and competitive economy."

The Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, TD, added: "I welcome these regulations signed by Minister O'Brien which will make it easier for people in new and renovated apartment buildings to join the Electric Vehicle revolution. Electric Vehicle sales are a growing proportion of new car sales, and as more people make the switch it is important that recharging infrastructure is available to facilitate their uptake. We are rolling out several initiatives this year and will shortly begin a consultation on how best to provide EV charging in existing apartment buildings."