Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 May 2022
181. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if his Department plans to revise the current public service vehicle licensing scheme to allow operators to lease large public service vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23987/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra182. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will change the public service vehicle requirements in order to facilitate commercial bus operators to make the transition to electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23988/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.
The need to review and reform the Large Public Service Vehicle (LPSV) licensing regime is recognised by my Department. An analysis undertaken a number of years ago that indicated the potential for streamlining the licensing process.
Due to work priorities relating to Brexit and the impact of the COVID pandemic, however, the Department has not been in a position to make further progress for the past year or two. However, the Department is now re-engaged on this matter and is aiming to progress the development of a roadmap later this year for streamlining the inspection and licensing regime in the long term.
The ultimate aim will be to streamline the LPSV licensing regime and to eliminate duplication across the various testing regimes. Following the work already carried out in terms of the proposed reform, it is expected that primary legislation will be required.
My Department has commenced engagement with relevant agencies in relation to this issue and will be engaging further with stakeholders in the near future.
The issues raised by the Deputy will be examined and considered in the context of this review.
