Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

194. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will extend the three-month grant draw-down period for eSPSV scheme grants given the wait times for new electric vehicles (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52474/22]

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

The Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme is in place to support the greening of the SPSV, or taxi, 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 of Transport 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 enable owners of small public service vehicles, such as taxis, hackneys and limousines, to buy electric vehicles.

In accordance with the terms and conditions of the eSPSV grant scheme, applicants may be granted one extension for a three-month period in which to complete and finalise their application.  Given the difficulties in obtaining vehicles, extensions have been granted on a case by cases basis, but only up to three months; and where proof is provided that a vehicle is on order and the date it will become available. No further extensions are available after this time period on the original application. If the application process is timed out an individual is able to reapply to the scheme and will be considered a new applicant for the purpose of the scheme. No extensions will be granted past 2022. Applicants can apply under the new scheme in 2023. 

Queries on any individual cases should be directed to the NTA as the scheme administrators.