Paul McGrath
Question:317 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment the reason for the delay by his Department in enacting regulations to allow taxi ranks to be created in Mullingar and Athlone in County Westmeath.
Written Answers. - County Westmeath Taxi Ranks.
Appointed stands (taxi ranks) can only be provided in an area which has been declared to be a taximeter area where licensed taxis may operate. Mullingar and Athlone are not taximeter areas. However, a review of the procedures governing the licensing and operation of small public service vehicles generally is being carried out and the question of applying taximeter area status to towns where taxis do not operate at present, including Mullingar and Athlone, is among the issues being considered. I expect a final report from the review group to be submitted to me by early March.