A new electric vehicle charging hub, located at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon was officially unveiled by Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney TD on Monday, June 15th.
This new facility, funded by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), is a pilot scheme demonstrating a ‘behind-the-meter’ delivery model. The total project cost is €200,000.
This innovative solution has been carefully designed with consideration for cost efficiency, grid capacity, and environmental impact. The new hub will also meet a wide range of user needs, providing destination, neighbourhood, en-route, and workplace charging options at one location via a combination of AC and DC chargers. As part of the pilot programme, local residents without driveways or off-street parking can benefit from a reduced overnight AC charging rate for their cars.
The hub has been designed to ZEVI’s universal design guidelines, ensuring chargers are fully accessible to all users. The charging hub is powered behind the meter of the Áras an Chontae building, eliminating the requirement for a large on-grid connection.
This project is one of several EV charging pilots the TII and ZEVI are supporting, designed to be scalable and easily replicated across the country.
Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Liam Callaghan said the announcement was a very positive development for electric vehicle users in the county, remarking: “This facility provides rapid and standard charging facilities for members of the public and a wide range of users in the environs of Roscommon Town.
“The EV hub will offer a reduced charging rate for those who reside locally who have no neighbourhood charge facilities. The hub will benefit users of the nearby Sacred Heart Church, as well as the planned regional Indoor Recreation and Outdoor Sports (iROS) sports facility and compliment the public realm enhancement project underway in this area.”
Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan said the facility will help address range anxiety among EV users, encouraging more people to make the transition to electric vehicles.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney TD said: “The expansion of our national EV charging network is a critical step in supporting the transition to zero-emission transport. By investing in charging infrastructure and targeted supports, we are taking a comprehensive approach to accelerating EV adoption.”
