Innovative new electric vehicle charging hub unveiled

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 and 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. It will support other national initiatives led by ZEVI, including the Shared Island Sports Club scheme and national roads/motorway schemes.

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.

“Recent figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show that electric vehicles are now the second-largest segment of new car sales. I also wish to commend the Charge Point Operator, Weev Charging Limited, for successfully delivering the project, and their sub-contractor, M&M Contractors, for carrying out the works professionally and with minimal disruption.

“We also look forward to the publication of the Region 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, which will provide a comprehensive framework for the development of EV charging infrastructure in County Roscommon,” the Chief Executive concluded.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canny 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. We are ensuring that drivers across urban and rural Ireland have access to reliable, fast, and convenient charging infrastructure.

The Roscommon Local Authority pilot project is a strong example of how we can deliver innovative, community-based charging solutions in rural areas, and we will build on the lessons learned as we scale nationally.”