I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 474 together.
The following table shows a breakdown of the passenger licences that were issued in 2004 and to date in 2005. The figures are split between the greater Dublin area and outside the greater Dublin area.
|
Issued in 2004
|
Issued to date in 2005
|
Greater Dublin Area*
|
18
|
12
|
Outside the Greater Dublin Area
|
120
|
65
|
*While only part of Drogheda lying within the county boundary of County Meath is officially in the GDA, for the purpose of this reply all of Drogheda has been included.
As a result of the new licences issued, the total number of valid licences in operation on 31 December 2004 was 591 and the total number of valid licences as of today's date is 555. Licences, with the exception of "occasional" licences that are issued for specific events, fall due for renewal annually and the total number of valid licences held by private operators can fluctuate on a daily basis. Details concerning the new licences issued in 2004 and 2005 are set out in the following table.