Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2013
529. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the exact progress of the local hackney scheme for rural areas; the way in which and when he envisages rolling the scheme out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48251/13]
View answerAction 46 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report, published by the Government in January of last year, recommended the introduction of a “Local Area Hackney Licence”, to address transport deficits in certain rural areas.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the regulation of the small public service vehicle industry. They have consulted with, and obtained the advice of, the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles in relation to this proposal. The NTA are currently preparing revised regulations to introduce this Local Area Hackney Licence and I am advised that the adoption of these revised regulations will be considered and determined by the Board of the NTA shortly. If adopted, these regulations would come into force prior to year end.
