Regulator seeks clarity on airport taxi service

THE Commission for Taxi Regulation would like to place on record a clarification in respect of comments attributed to a spokeperson from Shannon airport in a story headlined ‘Airport Taxi Service closed shop’ (Irish Examiner, February 19).

The spokesperson is quoted as saying the commission has “outlined their satisfaction that the current operation adequately meets the needs of our passengers”.

The commission has made no such statement to Shannon airport.

It is in fact currently seeking clarification from airport management as to whether or not a policy exists which excludes taxis from operation at the airport. Section 9 (2) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 charges the commission with achieving, among others, the objective of:

“(d) To encourage and promote competition in relation to services (including fares) offered by small public service vehicles.”

Any such policy of exclusion could be vulnerable to legal challenge on the grounds of discrimination and/or anti-competitiveness.

In such a case, it may be advisable that the policy of access by small public service vehicles to Shannon airport be reconsidered. The commission has arranged a meeting with Shannon airport representatives in early course to clarify and review this situation.

Kathleen Doyle

Commissioner For Taxi Regulation

35 Fitzwilliam Square

Dublin 2