Vol. 447 No. 1
188 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment the rules and criteria applied in urban areas in the issuing of taxi licences; whether there are restrictions placed on the number of licences issued based on factors such as population density; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3113/94]
The Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 1993, provide for the operation of taxis in 16 cities and towns which are designated as taximeter areas. Taxi licences are granted by the Garda Commissioner in accordance with the provisions of those regulations.
In relation to all taximeter areas other than the Dublin taximeter area, new licences may be granted where the relevant local authority authorises this. The power to authorise the granting of new taxi licences for the Dublin taximeter area is currently vested in the Minister for the Environment.
The drafting of comprehensive new regulations to introduce a number of changes to the system of licensing taxis, including new provisions dealing with the creation of taximeter areas and the grant of taxi licences, are at an advanced stage; it is envisaged that these regulations will assign new functions to local authorities.
