John V. Farrelly
Question:154 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the criteria used for people who wish to set up a taxi service in provincial towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Taxi Services.
A person wishing to operate a private hire or hackney service in any area must apply to the gardaí for a licence for the purpose.
Taxis/public hire vehicles may operate only in areas designated as taximeter/ public hire areas in the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Licensing) Regulations made by me under section 82 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. There are at present four areas designated as taximeter areas and a further 12 areas designated as public hire areas. The establishment of additional taximeter/ public hire areas would require amendments to the public service vehicles licensing regulations.
Licences for public hire vehicles are issued by the gardaí. Each local authority determines the number of public hire licences appropriate for areas in its functional area.
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 12 on 6 February, I have decided to initiate a fundamental review of the law as it applies to the operation of small public service vehicles.