Mr. Gerard Macken:

Yes, a short one. I thank the Chairman and committee for inviting me here.

Our group, working in conjunction with the Tiománaí Tacsaí na hÉireann, TTnH, the DTA and Dublin Airport taxi association, has had numerous meetings with Dublin City Council and the national authority in respect of College Green. At our last meeting, we were promised an impact study on taxis within the city area. The Lord Mayor, plus Mr. Brendan O'Brien and Mr. Dick Brady from Dublin City Council, were in attendance.

We looked at the proposal to reintroduce the left-hand turn onto Dawson Street because at present we have to take an alternative route off Dawson Street, onto Molesworth Street, Lincoln Place and down onto Pearse Street. Taxis are part of the National Transport Authority. We have to run a meter and give a fair account of our fares by taking the shortest possible route. We are serving the hotels within the area and we need the shortest route to do so. I am available to take any questions.