Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
662. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered automatically extending vehicle licences for coach and bus tour operators for a period of 12 months in view of the impact of Covid-19 on the sector. [12717/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy is referring to the licensing of Large Public Service Vehicles.
An Garda Síochána has over-arching responsibility regarding Public Service Vehicle licensing and testing, which is carried out by the Carriage Office for the purpose of ensuring that the vehicles are both safe and suitable for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward, under the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Licensing) Regulations, 1978.
An Garda Síochána has recently advised my Department that LPSV licensing and examinations are being conducted as normal throughout this period. The office hours of the Carriage Office have been extended, and the office is currently open from 9.30am–4.30pm. The Carriage Office is operating in line with all relevant Covid-19 safety procedures, including adherence to current social distancing guidelines and, as a result, only 1 person is permitted in the office at a time to allow for this.
Given that the Carriage Office has continued to operate effectively in the provision of all services regarding LPSV licensing, there are no plans to provide for an extension to the periods of validity of LPSV licences at this time.
