Do I Need Planning Permission for an EV Charger in Ireland?

For the majority of homes in Ireland, planning permission is not required to install a home EV charger. Most chargers are considered a minor domestic addition, similar to other small external electrical fittings.

Standard installations on a driveway, garage wall, or external wall of a house are typically permitted, provided the charger is positioned sensibly and does not materially alter the appearance of the property.

Planning permission may be required in a small number of situations. This can include protected structures, homes located within architectural conservation areas, or installations that significantly affect the external appearance of a building. Chargers installed in unusual locations or as part of a larger structure may also require additional consideration.

For apartments and shared buildings, the issue is usually not planning permission but permission from the building owner or management company. In these cases, agreement is often needed on placement, cabling routes, and shared electrical infrastructure.

Installers will flag any potential planning concerns during the early assessment stage. If planning permission is required, this is identified before installation so the correct steps can be taken.

In practice, most homeowners do not need to apply for planning permission, and EV chargers can be installed quickly once suitability is confirmed.