Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

246. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if taxi drivers that have already qualified for the current National Transport Authority scheme to purchase more environmentally friendly vehicles but have not been able to receive the grant due to vehicle supply shortages will automatically qualify for the new version of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7659/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including the administration of the eSPSV Grant Scheme, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

Applicants who received a Provisional Grant Offer (PGO) for the eSPSV21 Grant Scheme but have met unforeseen delays in vehicle delivery may apply for an extension to 31st March 2022 on that basis. This applies to an eSPSV of any value. Grant applicants should contact the NTA if they wish to apply for this extension in relation to vehicles purchased and originally due for delivery in 2021.

Th Deputy may be aware that last week I announced the re-opening of this very successful Scheme, with a further €15 million allocated to the Scheme for 2022. SPSV drivers can apply for grants of up to €10,000 towards the purchase of a new, full-battery eSPSV, with a further €2,500 available to convert it to a wheelchair-accessible model.

The take-up rate for this Scheme was exceptionally high in 2021: almost 600 drivers successfully applied for grants, with over €11 million paid out as well as €4 million in provisional grant offers.