Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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168. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a time-limit on the eSPV grant meaning that vehicles that are not delivered and registered as taxis before the end of the year will not be covered; if he will review this situation in view of the well-documented delay in vehicle delivery related to shortage of semi-conductors and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51875/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The aim of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme 2021 is to increase the uptake of fully electric SPSVs and zero-emission capable wheelchair accessible SPSVs. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, together with influencing 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 and administered by NTA acting as agents of the Department with delegated authority and as the licensing authority for SPSVs.

Per the Terms and Conditions of the eSPSV Grant Scheme 2021 any Grant Offer Letter issued to an applicant is valid until the earliest of three calendar months from the date of the Grant Offer Letter, the Scheme End date or 31 December 2021. The three calendar month period has been selected to allow reasonable time for vehicle delivery and completion of the vehicle licensing process.  

However, any eSPSV which has an existing grant offer and was due to be delivered in 2021 but has met unforeseen delays due to semi-conductor shortage, may avail of an extension to 31st March 2022. Grant applicants should contact the NTA to arrange for this extension in relation to vehicles purchased and due for delivery in 2021.