Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
289. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the reason private coaches require a PSV licence while State owned coaches do not; and the reason there is requirement for a PSV licence when coaches have to undergo regular commercial vehicle road testing. [18071/26]
View answerIn order to operate a bus/coach passenger service in Ireland a number of licensing requirements set by various government bodies must be adhered to, with the ultimate goal being to keep Irish roads and passengers safe.
These regulatory regimes include a Large Public Service (LPSV) Licence/Test, a Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test, a Road Passenger Operators Licence, and a Passenger Route Licence.
My Department has responsibility for policy oversight for the Large Public Service Vehicle (LPSV) sector. The Department however currently has no oversight role with regard to operational aspects of the LPSV licensing regime as it is carried out by An Garda Síochána.
PSV Officers of An Garda Síochána carry out Large Public Service Vehicle (LPSV) inspections to determine the suitability of a bus for use as an LPSV before it can be licensed, and a subsequent inspection at each licence renewal period. The licence is valid for 3 years, unless otherwise provided for by the PSV officer.
The applicant must be a fit and proper person (having regard to character and previous conduct) and the vehicle safe for the carriage of passengers. The technical examination considers the vehicle's specification, age and condition.
The LPSV Licensing Regulations do not apply to LPSVs owned and operated by a statutory transport undertaking. Under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, PSO bus services which hold Public Service Contracts are generally exempt from standard bus route licencing requirements also. PSO services are socially necessary but financially unviable services which are subsidised by the taxpayer. These services are directly regulated by the National Transport Authority under the requirements of the Direct Award Contracts. While exempt from the licensing requirements of an LPSV, they must abide by all other road safety regulations and abide by the terms of their public service contract with the NTA.
The performance of all public transport operators is closely monitored by the NTA under their contractual arrangements. These contracts allow for not just the monitoring of performance and the publication of annual performance reports, but importantly, allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard, including vehicle standard related performance and safety.
As you are aware, my Department is currently undertaking a review of the licensing regime for Large Public Service Vehicles (LPSVs), with the aim of streamlining and improving the overall process and eliminating duplication across various testing regimes, including Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing (CVRT). Issues related to the application of the LPSV licensing regime is being considered as part of the review.
As part of this process, my Department will also be required to make legislative amendments to implement the outcomes of the review.
