Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2011
667 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will explain the role of the National Transport Authority in the strategic development, maintenance and control of a network of taxi ranks by local authorities; if the NTA has any role in this element of taxi infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15259/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions regarding the location and operation of taxi ranks on public roads, as well as funding for the provision of taxi ranks, are primarily matters for the relevant local authority. Under section 84 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended, a local authority is empowered to make by-laws in respect of the places at which taxis may stand for hire. The making of such by-laws is a reserved function of a local authority. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is a statutory body responsible for the regulation of the taxi sector under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. With regard to taxi ranks, the NTA's responsibility relates to the issue of guidance on the planning, design and provision of taxi ranks aimed at improving taxi services to the public, better designed pick-up locations for taxi operators and greater integration of taxi services with the wider public transport system.
