In this context, the presence of unauthorised private Electric Vehicle (EV) charging installations within communal areas, including public footpaths and shared parking spaces, represents a material issue. Allowing such installations to remain as part of the Taking in Charge process would compromise the integrity of that process and create precedents that are inconsistent with the Council’s statutory obligations. It would also introduce ongoing operational, safety and liability concerns in relation to infrastructure for which the Council would subsequently become responsible.

At present, there is no legislative provision in Ireland that permits the installation of private EV charging cables across or within the public realm, nor is there a national guidance framework supporting such arrangements. In the absence of an appropriate statutory and regulatory framework, such installations cannot be regularised.

Accordingly, unauthorised private EV charging installations located within the public realm or communal areas are a barrier to the Taking in Charge of estates, and their removal is required in order to facilitate the proper completion of that process in compliance with statutory standards.