Louth senator welcomes additional reliefs for wheelchair accessible vehicles

Local Fianna Fáil Senator, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed the introduction of additional reliefs for wheelchair accessible vehicles under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme by her party colleague and Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath.

The new reliefs provide up to €48,000 for disabled drivers and €32,000 for disabled passengers. This will be applicable to those who have borne or paid VAT, VRT or residual VRT on or after 1st August 2022.

After consultation with the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland, a small number of disabled drivers and disabled passengers with similar requirements for in-vehicle wheelchair accessibility was identified.

On that basis and in line with international evidence, the Minister has introduced this fourth category of relief under the scheme.

Welcoming this news, Senator McGreehan who has campaigned on this issue said: "These regulations will provide much needed assistance for people who have very significant and costly adaptation needs for wheelchair accessible vehicles.

"While the changes today are to be welcomed, my party colleagues and I in Fianna Fáil recognisie that we must do more to provide better transport and mobility support options for people with disabilities.

"Mobility is something we all can take for granted but for people with disabilities they do not have this luxury. It is vital we provide the support for people with disabilities and enable them to live independent lives

"I want to sincerely thank Leigh Gath, for highlighting this issue and for her tireless work advocating for people living with disability.''