Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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178. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant scheme to ensure that applicants purchasing wheelchair-accessible taxis are guaranteed approval for the grant, given the high cost of such vehicles; to consider extending grants to cover the purchase of all taxis, not just wheelchair-accessible vehicles, to support taxi drivers who are currently paying high rental fees but wish to own their vehicles; and if he will examine the process to address the issue of the scheme closing early due to overwhelming demand, as occurred with Round 1 of WAV25 on 6 January and if that process can be changed. [2588/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant, 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 am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.

As set out in the Terms and Conditions (available here: ) of the WAV Grant Scheme 2025 (WAV25), all applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Almost 2,000 WAV grant applications were received on the 6 January but I am informed that WAV25 will open for applications once again in July.

In addition to the WAV Grant Scheme, 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 an older, existing vehicle, is scrapped. 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:

Given the NTA's responsibility regarding the WAV Grant, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.