Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
146. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport his plans to regulate the use of a company (details supplied) as a form of hired transport in addition to the current taxi licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4088/21]
View answer147. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport his plans to use a company (details supplied) in areas in which there is a deficit of taxis particularly at night-time in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4089/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together.
Carrying passengers in a small vehicle for payment is regulated under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. That Act sets out the regulatory framework for the entire small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including taxis, hackneys and other similar activities. The Act requires that such services can only be provided where there is an SPSV licence for the vehicle and also an SPSV licence for the driver. The focus of the regulatory regime is to protect the interests of consumers of these services in terms of both the safety and quality of the service provided.
Under the Act, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsiblity for regulation of the sector. I understand that the specific company referred to by the Deputy is licenced by the NTA as a taxi dispatch operator.
The NTA has undertaken a nationwide study to inform its approach to rolling out improved public transport across the country (excluding the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), Regional Cities and Large Towns) by providing better connections between villages and towns by linking them with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide. Arising from this study, I am advised that the NTA is undertaking a two-phase consultation on its proposals, titled 'Connecting Ireland', with stakeholder engagement first involving officials from Local and Regional Authorities which commenced in Q4 2020 and going through to Q1 2021, and with wider public consultation commencing in Q2 2021.
Our Programme for Government commitments in relation to public transport in rural areas will be progressed with a priority on a Sustainable Rural Mobility Plan to ensure settlements over a certain size can connect to the national public transport system, as well as expanding the Local Link rural transport service and prioritising public transport projects that enhance regional and rural connectivity.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, however, the current public health advice advises people limit travel, avoid public transport, and work from home unless they are essential workers and their presence is required in the workplace. In that context, it would simply not be appropriate to pursue a ride-hailing pilot at this time. However, once the present pandemic abates, the NTA will be asked to develop a pilot to examine the potential for ride-hailing services to improve rural connectivity.
