Government has approved proposals to progress the development of a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS). The Scheme will support people with mobility needs to access adapted vehicles and maintain independent mobility.
The Scheme will be developed as part of the Government’s commitment to improving transport accessibility and ensuring that all those who need support can participate fully in society, employment, education and community life.
The VAS is designed to support those needing more minor adaptations to their vehicles. It is not a support towards the capital cost of purchasing a vehicle.
Welcoming the Government decision, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “I am delighted that the Government has approved plans to advance the development of the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme. Access to personal transport can be transformative for people with additional mobility needs, enabling greater independence, social inclusion and participation in everyday life.
“Today’s decision marks an important step towards establishing a modern, fair and sustainable scheme that will support those who require vehicle adaptations to help meet their mobility needs.”
Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports Seán Canney said: “Since details of the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme were first announced, the proposal has been broadly welcomed by stakeholders and representative groups. There is clear recognition of the positive impact that targeted support for vehicle adaptations can have for people.
“Approval of these proposals today represents a significant milestone in the development of the Scheme and will enable the Department of Transport to progress the detailed implementation work required for its delivery.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said: “While significant progress continues to be made in expanding and improving rural public transport services, we recognise that personal transport remains indispensable for many people. The Vehicle Adaptation Scheme has the potential to remove barriers to mobility and improve quality of life for individuals and families across the country.”
- The Transport Working Group of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Senior Officials Group on Disability and a Vehicle Adaptation Scheme sub-group put forward the need for a modern, fit-for-purpose, needs-based and grant-aided vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international practice. It should support drivers and passengers who need help to enter, exit or operate a vehicle and should provide direct financial support. The significance of the VAS is such that the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 identifies its development as a priority action for the period 2025-2026. In this context, the Department of Transport has been directed to develop the VAS.
- Access to transport for people with disabilities is a multifaceted issue that involves work carried out by multiple Government departments. The Department of Transport is developing the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader Government consideration of integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability.
- The VAS will be open to drivers and passengers with a need for an adaptation(s) to enable them to enter, exit or operate the vehicle, rather than a medical identification of a condition or disability.
- Subject to timely approvals and the completion of the necessary preparatory work, it is possible that the Vehicle Adaptation Scheme will open for applications in Q1 2027.
- The Vehicle Adaptation Scheme is being developed as a standalone scheme and is not intended to replace the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, which remains under the remit of the Department of Finance.