Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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232. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the pre-determined number of applications for the January 2025 round of the wheelchair accessible vehicle grant 2025; the time the portal closed at on 6 January 2025 when the pre-determined number of applications were received; the amount of funding that was available in this round; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1245/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant scheme, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.

The NTA has informed me that the 2025 WAV Grant Scheme (WAV25) opened for applications at 10am on 6 January 2025 and was closed shortly afterwards by the NTA, following a large number of early applications. Almost 2,000 WAV grant applications were received within that timeframe and that demand was the reason for its early closure.

The NTA introduced a number of updates to the 2025 Grant Scheme to support applicants. These included setting two application periods, with the second round for applications due to open in July 2025; limiting the applications that a single party can make from 10 to 5, and extending the time limit for grant offers to successful applicants from 3 months to 5 months, to allow more time for completion of the grant process.

The NTA intends that the level of grant funding for WAV25 will exceed all previous years, with a previous high of over €6 million being issued for WAV Grants in 2024.

Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a response within 10 working days.

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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233. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline all grant and financial support options available to taxi drivers for wheelchair accessible vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1246/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of grant and financial supports to SPSV drivers, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.

The wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) Grant, which is administered by the NTA, provides financial support towards the acquisition or conversion of suitable vehicles to operate as WAVs in the SPSV fleet. Applicants to this grant scheme can avail of up to €17,500 in funding.

Separately, the eSPSV Grant Scheme is available to persons (individuals or companies) applying for new SPSV licences or existing SPSV licence holders who wish to upgrade their current vehicle with a replacement electric vehicle. Applicants can avail of up to €25,000 in grant funding under this Scheme. The Scheme provides grants towards new and second hand EVs, with a higher level of funding on offer where you scrap your older, existing vehicle. It is possible to combine both the WAV and eSPSV Grants.

Microfinance Ireland provides unsecured business loans up to €50,000 to both Start-ups and established businesses which are having difficulty in getting access to funding through the usual credit institutions. Further details on loans that are available can be seen at this link: at

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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234. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason an application by a person (details supplied) for the wheelchair accessible vehicle grant 2025 was rejected; and if this will be reviewed. [1247/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant scheme, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.

Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.