Louth records second-highest rollout of electric car chargers in region
Louth is accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, with new figures showing the county now has the second‑highest number of EV charging points in the north‑east.
Data released by Louth County Council shows there are currently 212 installed EV charging points across the county, placing Louth just behind neighbouring Meath, which has 358.
By comparison, Monaghan has 98 charging bays installed, while Cavan has recorded 157.
The figures emerged after calls by north Louth councillor John Reilly for the installation of an EV charging point in Omeath, which he said is being left behind despite significant levels of regeneration and tourism growth in the village.
“Omeath has been transformed in recent years and is now a key stop along the Carlingford Greenway,” Cllr Reilly said. “Yet there is still no EV charging point in the village, which makes no sense.”
He said visitor numbers to the area have risen sharply, with a growing proportion of tourists travelling in electric vehicles.
“We are actively promoting Omeath as a tourist destination, but without EV infrastructure we risk losing visitors,” he said. “People need somewhere to stop, charge their vehicles and spend time locally, whether that’s in cafés, shops or local attractions.”
Cllr Reilly said the continued absence of charging facilities in Omeath runs counter to national climate commitments and changing travel patterns.
“The popularity of electric vehicles is only going to continue to grow, and the climate crisis means we need to act quickly,” he said. “If we are serious about tackling climate change and planning for the future, councils must ensure the right infrastructure is in place. An EV charging point in Omeath is essential, not optional.”
In response, Louth County Council outlined the geographic spread of charging infrastructure across the county, confirming that 149 charging points are located in north Louth, 27 in mid Louth, and 36 in Drogheda and south Louth.
Of the 212 chargers installed, 173 are publicly accessible, with the remainder available in locations such as hotels and other private or semi‑private settings.
A council spokesperson confirmed that plans are now in place to address the gap in Omeath, with the local authority intending to install and operate a dual 11kW EV charger in the village in 2026.
Further details on the project, including timelines and location, are expected to be announced later this year.