I propose to take Questions Nos. 222, 223, 225 and 226 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry 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.
Both the NTA and the Department have taken a number of steps to support taxi drivers nationally and to increase the number of taxis available to passengers. For example, the Board of the NTA approved a nine per cent increase in the National Maximum Taxi Fare following the latest review that included a public consultation. The fare adjustment took effect on 1 December 2024, ensuring that taxi fares continue to reflect the rising costs associated with operating a taxi service in Ireland. To encourage operators to stay in the sector, the NTA extended the final operation date of vehicles on a few occasions and also extended the period that an SPSV licence may rest in an inactive (expired) status, from 12 months to 24 months. In line with the Programme for Government 2025 commitment to 'extend the ten-year vehicle limit for taxis registered in 2015, offering another year of service', the Board of the NTA approved the making of a new Regulation giving effect to this Programme for Government Commitment. This new Regulation has been operative since 1 April 2025 and given operators with 2015 registered cars another year of service with their vehicles. In addition, there are grants, such as the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) and electric small public service vehicle (eSPSV) grants, that are available to drivers to help them purchase new vehicles.
The total number of SPSV drivers and vehicles is steadily increasing. As of 31 October 2025, the number of SPSV drivers was 27,993. This is a 11% (2,762) increase on the 2021 figures (25,231) when driver licence numbers were at their lowest post-pandemic. As at 31 October 2025, the number of licensed SPSVs was 21,116. This represents a 14% (2,646) increase in comparison to when vehicle licence numbers were at their lowest in 2021 (18,470).
Furthermore, the NTA is currently holding a public consultation on proposed changes to local area hackney (LAH) regulations. The purpose of the LAH licence is to offer a SPSV service in a rural community where existing transport services do not serve the needs of the community. The LAH can meet the demand for these services, but it cannot displace any existing SPSV services. This consultation opened on 16 October 2025 and will close on 28 November 2025. Further information and the NTA's proposed changes are available to view here: https://consult.nationaltransport.ie/en/content/consultation-proposed-amendments-spsv-regulations-increase-local-area-hackney-licence-uptake.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further specific information about SPSV driver and vehicle numbers in County Cork. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
