Appeal for support for hard-pressed taxi drivers made by Mayo TD

A Mayo TD has asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his department has considered extending the ten-year rule for taxi operators whose vehicles are due to be replaced in 2021.

Deputy Dara Calleary also sought his views on whether it is unfair to expect such operators to replace their vehicles in 2021 given that they are experiencing little or no business as a result of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

In response, Minister Eamon Ryan stated: "The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including age limits for vehicles, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

"The NTA has extended age limits for taxis twice since the start of the pandemic.

"Following an initial extension in March 2020, last December, following public consultation, the NTA extended them further to the end of 2021.

"I trust that the NTA will keep this issue under active review as the pandemic progresses.

"In Budget 2021 the government increased the funding available to the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) grant scheme from €1 million in 2020 to €15 million in 2021.

"In recognition of the particular difficulties faced by operators of older vehicles reaching the end of their useful life, the amount payable under the scheme has doubled to €20,000 for those operators who scrap older, high mileage vehicles for new full electric models.

"I understand that necessary public health restrictions have led to a continuing profound reduction in demand for taxis.

"There is a range of finance and liquidity supports available from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for businesses affected by the pandemic, and many of these are open to taxi operators."