Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are probably discussing two distinct issues. The rural hackney licence to which I referred is flexible and responds to local demand. Features of the local area hackney licence include confirmation of the need for a proposed local area hackney service from either an established body representing local business or a community group that has been granted charitable status by Revenue; an analysis of that need carried out for the relevant local authority; a specified area of operation outside of which a licenceholder cannot advertise the provision of services; and a low-entry cost involving a vehicle licence fee of €50. Where the applicant is resident in the area to which the licence relates, he or she is not required to undertake the SPSV skills development programme. To date, 35 licence applications have been received by the NTA, four licences have been issued, four conditional offers have been made and a further four have been approved in principle, depending on the proposal of suitable vehicles.

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