Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
182. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that fully electric cars are unable to attain an SPSV licence; if he will resolve this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7919/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
In June 2010, the NTA introduced S.I. No. 250 of 2010 - Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (Grant of Taxi Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 to only issue new taxi and hackney licences for wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys. This was introduced in order to increase the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) in the SPSV fleet nationwide (taxis, hackneys, and limousines). To support the wider availability of WAVs, the Department has funded the WAV grant scheme annually since 2014, to provide financial support towards the acquisition or conversion of suitable vehicles to operate as WAVs in the SPSV fleet.
I am aware that the NTA has produced a list of vehicles, sorted by make and model, that indicates whether or not a vehicle may meet statutory requirements. This is known as the 'Suitable Vehicle List' and is available here: www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Suitable_Vehicle_List_13_07_2023.pdf. Before a driver intends to buy a vehicle to use as a taxi or hackney, they must check the Suitable Vehicle List and the Initial Suitability Inspection Manual (available here: www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Initial_Suitability_Inspection_Manual.pdf) to ensure that the vehicle is likely to be suitable for that purpose
Regarding the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) grant scheme, I secured €11.5 million in funding in Budget 2024. The eSPSV scheme is available nationwide to persons applying for new SPSV licenses (WAV only) and to existing SPSV license holders who wish to upgrade their current vehicle with a replacement EV. As of 05 January 2024, the 2023 eSPSV grant scheme had grant-aided 586 vehicles with total funding of €10,833,000. In addition, there are a further 69 grant offers approved for payment totalling €1,245,000m of funding.
