Skip to main content
Normal View

Road Safety

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2016

Tuesday, 2 February 2016

Questions (586)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

586. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the regulations and legislation in place to govern the use of rickshaws on public roads in County Dublin and in other urban centres; and the action he has taken to ensure that rickshaws are licensed, taxed and adhere to proper road safety standards. [4325/16]

View answer

Written answers

Rickshaws are covered by road traffic law. Pedal-powered rickshaws come within the definition of 'pedal cycles' and powered rickshaws are classified as 'mechanically propelled vehicles'. They, like all other road traffic, are obliged to obey road traffic law. The measures which I introduced in summer of 2015 to allow An Garda Síochána to issue fixed charge notices to cyclists also apply to pedal powered rickshaws and will provide an important tool for An Garda Síochána in enforcing the law.

At present there is no legislation in place to regulate the carriage of passengers by rickshaws. Rickshaws by their nature operate at a local level. Local authorities regulate many activities at local level through by-laws made under local government regulation. I understand that, in response to concerns (primarily of a health and safety nature), and following a consultation process with relevant stakeholders, Dublin City Council (DCC), has prepared draft by-laws under the Local Government Act 2001 to regulate the operation of rickshaws.

As I set out in my reply to Parliamentary Questions No. 481 and 483 of 19 January 2016, it is my understanding that DCC, subject to receipt of certain legal clarifications, intends to bring the draft by-laws, which would provide for a licensing regime for rickshaws, before the Strategic Policy Committee of the Council for its consideration.

Top
Share