Joe O'Brien - Green Party
Call for Fingal based taxi drivers to avail of new €15m scrappage scheme to go electric
5th February, 2021
Fingal TD, Joe O’Brien welcomed the announcement by his party colleague, Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, that the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) Scheme for Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) such as taxis and hackneys has been expanded to €15m. The scheme has increased from €1m in 2020 to €15m in 2021 with grants of up to €20,000 now available to existing SPSV drivers who scrap older, high mileage vehicles for new full electric models.
As part of the existing scheme, drivers can apply for grants of up to €10,000 towards the purchase of a new full battery eSPSV with a further €2,500 available to convert it to a wheelchair accessible model. Those scrapping older, more polluting, or high mileage vehicles are now eligible for double the normal grant if they make the switch to electric with €20,000 available for a new full electric or €25,000 for a wheelchair accessible new battery electric vehicle.
Minister O’Brien said:
“On the doorstep to Dublin City and home to Dublin Airport, it is unsurprising that the county has many residents who are involved in the transport sector, including the taxi field and it is a key priority of this Government to ensure this, and other transport sectors across Ireland are efficient and low emitting. This will help to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions while also normalising the use of electric vehicles in Ireland and indeed Fingal.”
“Taxi-drivers in Fingal have had a difficult time during the pandemic, and while government has provided ongoing support, making an investment in a new vehicle at this time will be a challenge for many. However, this announcement is a strong indication that preparations are underway so that there are increased grants in place as the economy recovers.”
Minister O’Brien concluded;
“Replacing older vehicles can play an important role in effecting a substantial reduction in transport CO2 and emissions, and the changes to the Scheme in 2021 reflect greater levels of support for older SPSVs, or those with high vehicle mileage.”
“As part of the support for the SPSV sector, the Department of Transport is investing in the installation of SPSV dedicated recharging infrastructure across Fingal. Such key transport hubs will commence in 2021.”
SPSV drivers who make the switch to an electric vehicle can also avail of VRT relief (up to €5,000), the Domestic Charger Scheme (up to €600) and annual toll refunds (up to €1,000). This is in addition to the significant fuel savings and lower maintenance costs associated with electric models.
The Electric SPSV (eSPSV) Scheme is funded by the Department of Transport and administered by the NTA. For further information on the grant and how to apply, visit www.nationaltransport.ie .