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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 4

Written Answers. - Taxi Regulations.

Noel Ahern

Question:

72 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the fact that agencies such as Aer Rianta are still operating a controlled system at Dublin Airport in view of the Government's decision to deregulate the taxi market some months ago; if details of extra permits granted to taxis to pick up at Dublin Airport can be given; if such control is in keeping with the Government's deregulation decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16497/01]

Arrangements for the provision of a taxi service at Dublin Airport, including the issue of permits to taxi operators, are matters for the day to day administration of Aer Rianta in the context of the operation, management and development of the airport. Regulation of the issue of permits to taxi operators derives from section 42 of the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act, 1998 and the Airport Bye-laws 1994 (S.I. No. 425 of 1994). The rationale for the regulation of taxi operations is for the purposes of the proper management, operation and supervision of the airport, and to ensure the effective management of the taxi service.

Aer Rianta informs me that all taxi drivers with a valid taxi plate issued by Dublin Corporation and holding a current public service vehicle badge – licence – are eligible to apply for a permit to operate at Dublin Airport. Prior to the national deregulation of the taxi industry approximately 2,000 permits were issued by Aer Rianta for operation at Dublin Airport. Post-deregulation that number has risen to approximately 4,500 permits, i.e. the number of permit holders has more than doubled. Although 4,500 permits have been issued, the number of taxi operators who operate out of Dublin Airport on a regular basis is in the range 1,500 to 2,000. Aer Rianta is still accepting applications for permits.

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