Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2023
25. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the measures that he plans to take to curtail the issues experienced by taxi drivers arising with the PSV grant from 2022 lapsing due to heavy backlogs in the delivery of electric vehicles which will be delivered in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2360/23]
View answer45. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to reports of the difficulties taxi drivers are facing accessing grants for electric vehicles due to the delay in the delivery of new vehicles coupled with the failure to roll over or extend the deadline for applications; the way he intends to support the further roll-out of electric vehicles in the taxi fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2413/23]
View answer64. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when the eSPSV grant will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2117/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 45 and 64 together.
The Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme is in place to support the greening of the SPSV, or taxi, sector. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, reducing the CO2 emissions of a sector which typically has very high mileage, and also can positively influence the uptake of zero emission passenger cars by improving general perception and awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles.
The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. The Scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by NTA acting as agents of the Department with delegated authority and as the licensing authority for SPSVs. €15m has been allocated to the Scheme in 2023 to enable owners of small public service vehicles, such as taxis, hackneys and limousines, to buy electric vehicles. The Scheme is expected to open shortly.
My Department has been working with the NTA to review the 2023 terms and conditions in light of the vehicle delivery delays. It has been agreed that the terms and conditions of the eSPSV grant scheme will be updated on a temporary basis to give drivers more flexibility when applying for a grant. Provisional grant offers will now be issued for 6 months with an extension of 3 months to be allowed with proof of delivery for vehicle. No provisional grant offer or extension will go further than 31 Dec 2023.
