Taxi licences could be capped

The number of taxis operating in Ireland could be capped, it emerged today.

The Joint Committee on Transport has agreed to review taxi licensing regulations.

During its review, the Committee said it will examine the possibility of changing the legislation to give the Taxi Regulator the discretion to put a cap on the number of taxi licences being issued where there is already a substantial numbers of taxis operating.

Representatives from taxi associations in Dublin, Galway and Waterford will address the committee on problems they have in relation to the number of taxis operating, traffic congestion, and the lack of parking spaces at taxi ranks.

Taxi regulator Kathleen Doyle will also appear before the joint committee on April 23 to discuss the issue.

Meanwhile, politicians plan to invite members of the Competition Authority to appear before the committee, while submissions will be sought from taxi users.

Committee chairman Frank Fahey TD said a decision will then be made on whether a recommendation will be put to Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to consider if a change in legislation is necessary.

“A market now exists for taxi licences in cities like Galway where they are advertised for sale on a weekly basis in local newspapers,” he added.