Written answers
Wednesday, 25 May 2022
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Public Transport
Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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23. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the application process for the electric small public service vehicle (eSPSV2) grant scheme will be un-paused to allow for new applicants to apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26923/22]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The aim of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme is to support the greening of the SPSV sector. It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, reducing the CO2 emissions of a sector which typically has very high mileage, and also can positively influence 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. €15m was allocated in 2022 to support SPSVs to switch to electric.
The scheme is kept under continuous review and is currently paused to new applicants to allow for the drawdown and payment of provisional grant offers which usually have a time limit of three months. In addition, applicants can apply for a further three month provisional grant offer extension if they have a letter from their dealer stating that the vehicle will be delivered within this timeframe. Once these grant offers have been drawn down, there will be a clearer picture of the funding available for the second half of the year, and I anticipate the scheme will reopen for applications in the summer.
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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24. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will extend the Local Link Bus Route 254 route to begin and end in Clonakilty which will provide a regular public transport link between Clonakilty, Bandon and Kinsale as major towns in the region. [26938/22]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for TFI Local Link services, including TFI Local Link route extensions, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
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