The transition of the taxi and hackney fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles has an important role to play in effecting a substantial reduction in transport CO2 and of air pollutant emissions, particularly in Irish towns and cities due to the high mileage travelled by these vehicles, the stop/start and idling nature of their work, as well as the predominance of fossil fuels within the sector.
Increasing the uptake of electric vehicles in the SPSV sector also has a strong leadership and demonstration effect on the public, introducing more people to low/zero emission mobility options. As such, I was delighted to announce the continuation and extension of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme in 2021. The Scheme which has been administered by the NTA since 2018, provides enhanced supports, up to €20,000, for eligible taxi and hackney drivers switching to EVs. The NTA also provides a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Grant Scheme.
In addition, €15 million has also been allocated to support up to 750 taxi and hackney drivers in scrapping their older vehicles and replacing them with zero-emission capable electric alternatives. The scrappage scheme is open for taxis and hackneys reaching their maximum permissible age limit in 2020/21. Up to €20,000 is available for eligible drivers switching to a new all-electric vehicle and up to €32,500 for those moving to a wheelchair accessible full electric vehicle.
The enhanced grant incentives reduce the cost differential that taxi drivers need to provide upfront. The scheme has been administered on a matured liability basis since it’s launch and has supported 124 eSPSVs between 2018 and present with a further 30 applications pending.
Central to the provision of funding under both the eSPSV grant scheme and the WAV grant scheme, is successful completion of the SPSV suitability inspection process. It is only upon confirmation that the vehicle, against which grant funding will be allocated, satisfies the relevant requirements prescribed in the schedules to the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015 and any additional requirements specified within the grant scheme documentation, that funding can be released. The sequencing of this process is maintained throughout all grant schemes and continues to remain integral to these two funding schemes.
In light of the very particular difficulties facing the SPSV industry as a result of the current pandemic, a number of financial supports have been made available by the Government. They include the following:
- Enterprise Support Grant;
- COVID-19 Part-time Job Incentive Scheme for the Self-Employed;
- COVID-19 Business Loan Scheme;
- COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme;
- COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit.
Further information regarding the above schemes, which are managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Social Protection can also be found in recent editions of the SPSV Industry Update (Nov 2020/Feb 2021) on the NTA website.
A further support available which may be of particular relevance in the context of the query raised is the Covid-19 Business Loan provided by Microfinance Ireland (MFI). MFI are a not for profit lender, established to deliver the Governments Microenterprise Loan Fund. The Microenterprise Loan fund was put in place to support small businesses who may be having difficulties in accessing funding for their business from banks and/or commercial lenders. The Covid-19 Business Loan from MFI offers loans of €5,000 - €25,000 for all eligible applicants.
Further information about the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment Microfinance Ireland COVID-19 Business Loan, including how to apply, can be found at enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/Microfinance-Ireland-COVID-19-Business-Loan.html
