The tendering process to find charging companies to install EV infrastructure at Ireland's sports clubs has finished, and three companies - ePower, Weev, and EasyGo - have been selected.
Why are sports clubs getting EV chargers?
It's all part of the government's EV charging plans, which are being managed by the Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) office. The idea is that there are so many sports clubs across the country - from GAA clubs, to clubs for soccer, rugby, golf, tennis, and much more - and that they tend to be at the centre of the community, especially in rural areas, making them ideal locations for installing medium-speed electric car chargers. The idea being that you roll up at the club, watch a match or get involved in a training session, and then head home with a full charge.
So, what happens now?
Well, in the initial round of this scheme, where the various clubs were able to pitch to be given grants to install these chargers, some 179 clubs in the Republic, and a further 48 across Northern Ireland, were selected. Now, with the 'procurement framework' in place, those clubs can take their share of the €15 million in available grants, and go and see which of ePower, Weev, or EasyGo suits their needs the best.
Is this actually a big deal?
It might be - certainly an additional 200-odd new charging points is nothing to be sneezed at, and the Government certainly regards this as a vital plank in improving Ireland's EV infrastructure. Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said: “This is an important step in making EV charging more accessible in community settings and supporting the transition to cleaner transport. It demonstrates how the Shared Island initiative is supporting practical, community-led climate action. This scheme brings real, practical benefits to communities across the island, while supporting our broader climate goals. By making EV charging available in everyday destinations like sports clubs, we're helping to make EVs more viable and visible.”
Minister of State with responsibility for rural transport Jerry Buttimer said: “Sports clubs are the heart of our towns and villages, and by bringing EV charging to these spaces, we're not only encouraging the switch to EVs, but we're also investing in a more connected, greener island for everyone.”