Taxi ranks have been the subject of very negative comment by taxi licence holders and by the public in a number of taxi meter areas for some years. The position has been exacerbated as a result of the significant increase in taxi licence numbers in all areas. It seems that local authorities have not lived up to their responsibilities in this matter. Taxi ranks are still non-existent in many towns. In other places they are thoughtlessly sited. Local authorities considering establishing taxi ranks or upgrading existing ranks would do well to have a look at the very fine example recently put in place in Earlsfort Terrace in Dublin. A taxi rank should be easily identifiable, like a bus stop. It should not be an eyesore, as ranks in many parts of the country are.