Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
196. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or the NTA will consider waving the requirement for new taxi vehicles to have clear glass at the rear of their vehicle given that most new EVs come with tinted rear windows and the cost of replacement is over €800; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14582/22]
View answer197. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider providing sectoral supports to taxi drivers who purchase new EVs in cases where there is a requirement to adapt new vehicles to comply with NTA or other regulations such as the removal of tinted windows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14583/22]
View answer199. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that most electric vehicles come with tinted glass in the rear as standard given that the cost to change these windows is around €800 plus; if the clear glass windows are available if he will discuss with the National Transport Authority the idea of allowing tinted rear glass in taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14642/22]
View answer223. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport , further to Parliamentary Question No. 230 of 15 September 2021, if there has been any change in position regarding tinted glass for SPSVs; if the Taxi Advisory Council has considered a change in position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15075/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 196, 197, 199 and 223 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including vehicle standards for taxis, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
The NTA has developed a comprehensive and detailed set of standards by which all vehicles operating in the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry must comply. These standards are explained in the SPSV Initial Suitability Inspection Manual (available at Forms and guides - National Transport).
Recognising that the replacement of a vehicle is the single largest cost faced by any SPSV operator, and in view of my commitment to support the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles, I announced on February 4th last, the re-opening of the eSPSV Grant Scheme, with a further €15 million allocated to it for 2022. The grants will enable owners of taxis and hackneys, to buy electric vehicles (EVs).
Administered by the NTA, SPSV drivers can apply for grants of up to €10,000 towards the purchase of a new, full-battery eSPSV, with a further €2,500 available to convert it to a wheelchair-accessible model. Taxi drivers are eligible for double the normal grant when they scrap an older, more polluting or high mileage vehicle and make the switch to electric. By scrapping and switching, up to €20,000 can be available for a new, fully electric SPSV and if the taxi is a wheelchair-accessible electric vehicle, the supports rise to €25,000. A driver can apply to combine both the eSPSV grant scheme and the WAV grant scheme up to a maximum of €32,500.
The take-up rate for this Scheme was exceptionally high in 2021: almost 600 drivers successfully applied for grants, with over €11 million paid out as well as €4 million in provisional grant offers. The operation of the Scheme is a matter for the NTA and details of the Scheme are available on the NTA's website.
Considering the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have forwarded the Deputies questions to the Authority for consideration and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
