Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on allowing hackneys and other public service vehicles to use bus corridors in Dublin; if previous applications have been made in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22082/08]

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).

Over the years requests received from a variety of individual operators, individual members of the public and various organisations seeking access for hackneys/limousines to use bus lanes have been turned down by my Department.

Last year, I 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 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.