asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will state clearly the basis on which the 16 licences issued by Aer Rianta to private hire individuals servicing Shannon Airport were issued; if they were publicly advertised or tendered for; if he believes that the service provided is adequate for an international airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Shannon Airport Hackney Service.
340.
The hackney service at Shannon Airport is operated by hackney owners authorised as a result of advertisement in the local Press. Permits are granted after selection by interview by Aer Rianta Teoranta, who manage the airport on my behalf, and on payment of an annual fee of £53. The criteria used in selection of applicants for permits include (1) the possession of an unendorsed hackney licence, (2) possession of a vehicle which will give a reasonable degree of comfort to passengers, (3) acceptance of the terms of the airport bye-laws which forbid canvassing for business, (4) willingness to accept frequent checks by officers of the airport security force as to condition of vehicle in use, (5) availability for service on a 24-hour a day basis, (6) general suitability, (7) agreement with Aer Rianta on fares.
Up to 1969, the number of hackney cars authorised to operate at the airport was 15. Three additional permits were granted in that year in the light of increased terminal traffic. Since there was no significant increase in terminal traffic between 1969 and 1976 no further permits were granted. As a result of a review of traffic patterns during 1977 Aer Rianta have recently advertised for additional hackney operators.
I am satisfied that the service provided is adequate for normal airport operations. In periods of abnormally high passenger traffic such as diversions of aircraft to Shannon, taxis can be obtained on call within 20 to 30 minutes. There have been no complaints about the adequacy of the hackney service.