Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Transport his intentions to amend regulations to allow hackneys to use bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24275/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The current rules governing use of bus lanes were established through the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997-1998. These regulations restrict the use of bus lanes to buses or minibuses operating under a public service licence, as well as allowing taxis and pedal cycles to use bus lanes which are with-flow (as opposed to contra-flow).

I have now received a request from the Commission for Taxi Regulation to amend regulations so as to permit the use of bus lanes by hackneys and limousines. In considering this request, I have received the views of several interested bodies. However, a case is now pending before the High Court in which a limousine operator is challenging the provisions of the existing regulations. I intend to await the outcome of this case before making a final decision on the Taxi Regulator's request.