Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the ten-year rule, the NTA extended vehicle age limits several times during the pandemic, with standard age limits for taxis and hackneys now waived through to the end of 2022, thereby ensuring no operator exits the industry simply because of the need to replace a vehicle. These extensions of vehicle age limits were emergency measures in recognition of the challenges faced during the pandemic, including the necessary health-related restrictions imposed on society and the resultant collapse in demand for SPSV services. This situation is now much changed and there has been a resurgence in demand for SPSV services with increased levels of social activity and particularly at night-time. This is where the premium rate will come into effect to encourage more taxi drivers to come on stream, especially at weekends, Sundays and public holidays.

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