Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to extend the ten-year rule for 2015 taxi vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5548/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, 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.

In line with the Programme for Government objective, the NTA intends to make a regulation stating that standard taxis and standard hackneys which were first registered in 2015 will be permitted to renew their vehicle for a further one year beyond the current limit of the 10th anniversary of the date of first registration – i.e. they would be permitted to operate the vehicle to the 11th anniversary of the date of first registration, which will arise during 2026.

The Taxi Regulation Act 2013 (as amended) requires a consultation period in relation to any new regulations. This requires the draft regulation to be made available on the NTA’s website advising that representations may be made to the NTA by a date not later than 21 days from publication. In accordance with normal practice, the NTA will also consult with the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles.

In recognition the time related impact of the proposed Regulation, the NTA intends to open this consultation period during the week commencing 17 February, with a view to a decision being made by 21 March. A new Regulation will be introduced soon afterwards.