A new high-power electric vehicle (EV) charging hub has been officially launched by ESB at the Bunratty Castle Hotel in Bunratty, Co. Clare. The facility was opened by Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.

The strategic location at Bunratty Castle Hotel (V95 DW9N) ensures that local residents, commuters, and tourists visiting the mid-west and the Wild Atlantic Way have access to high-power chargers. The units are capable of providing up to 220km of driving range in approximately ten minutes. This installation represents ESB's eighth hub in the region, following the recent introduction of high-power EV charging sites in Shannon, Castletroy, Ennis Road in Co. Limerick, and Collooney in Co. Sligo.

ESB is the largest public EV charge point operator in Ireland, responsible for building, owning, and running an expanding network. The business currently operates more than 60 high-power charging hubs across the country, which are intended to lower overall journey times, reduce waiting intervals, and boost driver confidence during long-distance travel. Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, said: "Expanding and enhancing EV charging infrastructure is key to accelerating electric vehicle uptake in Ireland. The opening of this charging hub improves accessibility and convenience, ensuring more people in the mid-west will be supported to make the transition to cleaner transport while contributing to achieving our climate targets."

Suzanne Ward, Head of Developing Business at ESB, spoke at the launch event, said: "This high power charging hub makes EV charging faster, more accessible, and more reliable for drivers in the mid west region. We are committed to creating a cleaner, more sustainable transport future and are dedicated to investing in the charging network with the continued rollout of high power hubs across the island."

The company has been designing and implementing e-mobility solutions since 2010, a period marked by its rollout of Ireland's initial public EV charging infrastructure to meet national demand and encourage vehicle adoption. Further high-power hubs are scheduled for deployment across the remainder of 2026, aimed at bolstering the country's EV ecosystem and advancing national climate goals.