Co Armagh: eight high-power Tesla EV charging bays to be installed at Rushmere Shopping Centre
Eight high-power Tesla EV charging bays are to be installed at Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon, along with all associated site development works.
The planning application was lodged by McArdle Doyle consulting service, Dundalk, on behalf of Tesla Motors, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin.
In their planning statement, McArdle Doyle note: “The proposed development increases the hardstanding area of the existing car park by c. 100m2. Each charging bay will comprise a parking space and electric vehicle charging unit.
“Standard charging bays will be 5m long & 2.8m wide. The individual charging units will be located at the rear of the car parking bays. Each charging unit will be approximately 1.7m high.
“In addition to the above, each charging station requires a supercharger cabinet and LV panels. These will be installed on a new concrete slab area to the west of the proposed charging bays.
“A new substation is required to power the proposed development. The substation, which will be approximately 4m long, 3m wide, and 2.7m high, will be located to the west of the proposed charging bays.
“In developing the Transport input to the Executive’s Energy Strategy, the Department for Infrastructure commissioned four research projects, one of which forecasts there could be between 60,000 and 125,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in Northern Ireland by 2025.
“Charging solutions must be found for those without access to a driveway, particularly in our urban areas. Charging away from home will also be required, especially for those users making longer journeys and light commercial fleets.
“There are three main drivers underpinning the proposed development. Firstly, the site is strategically located on the M1. Secondly, there is limited electric vehicle rapid charging infrastructure available in Northern Ireland. The proposed high-power charging station would enhance the provision of rapid chargers in Northern Ireland.
“Finally, the site is highly suitable, serviced and available, and the proposed development can be delivered and contributing to the national electric vehicle charging network without delay. The charge points will be available to customers on a 24hr basis.”
Provision of the new facility will involve the removal of two parking spaces at the centre.
The land on which the charging points are to be installed is owned by Killahoey Ltd, M12 Business Park, Portadown. The planning application was lodged on November 12, 2025.
François Vincent, Local Democracy Reporter