Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2014
585. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the stated view of Dublin City Council that primary legislation is required to regulate the carrying of passengers by rickshaws in the city of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48931/14]
View answerRickshaws are pedal cycles pursuant to road traffic legislation and fall subject to the requirements applying to pedal cycles when used on the road.
Local authorities regulate many activities at local level through bye-laws made under local government legislation in keeping with Government policy on the devolution of responsibility for local services and functions to local government at a local level. Rickshaws by their nature operate at a local level. I am advised that one local authority has introduced bye-laws which prohibit the operation of rickshaws in its administrative area.
I am aware that Dublin City Council has identified concerns that the powers available to it to make by-laws relating to rickshaws pursuant to local government legislation. The question of whether it is necessary to amend those powers in local government legislation is one for my colleague the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.
