Councils to lose funding over taxi regulator

LOCAL authorities are to lose another source of revenue with the appointment of a national taxi regulator next year.

The regulator who will head the Commission for Taxi Regulation will use income from the annual renewals of taxi licences to fund the office under plans being prepared by Transport Minister Seamus Brennan.

Although the loss of the €125 annual licence fee may not impact significantly on councils in rural areas, the issue is set to cost local authorities in Dublin over €1.25 million every year.

The decision comes at a time when local authorities have already been warned that central government will not provide funds for extra pay increases due under benchmarking.

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said it supported the minister’s plans, though it had not determined the effect of the loss of revenue. Confirmation that revenue from taxi licences will go towards the Commission for Taxi Regulation came yesterday as Mr Brennan launched the new National Taxi Council in Dublin.

Mr Brennan said the new body, to be chaired by the former Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne represented a further step to delivering high standards of a professional service.

He said the National Taxi Council would also help to guarantee a good livelihood for the country’s 14,000 taxi-plate holders.

The 18-member council, which consists of representatives of taxi, tourism and consumer groups, will advise the minister and future taxi regulator on a variety of issues relating to the industry. Among the main priorities to be addressed will be:

The general condition of vehicles.

Safety and security of customers and drivers.

Accessibility for wheelchair users.

Introduction of a standard colour for taxis.

Enhanced training and knowledge requirement for taxi drivers.

Vinnie Kearns of the National Taxi Drivers Union said he was optimistic the council would play an important role in providing a quality service.