Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

685. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasons hackneys cannot use bus lanes and if there will be any attempt to change this regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18911/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic & Parking) Regulations, 1997, as amended.  The primary purpose of providing bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport.  The regulations generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists.  

Having regard to the role of taxis in providing on-street immediate hire services, an exemption to that limitation is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business. 

There have been many requests over the years to extend the use of bus lanes to other categories of road user.  These include limousines and hackneys, motorcycles, multi-occupancy vehicles and ambulances for cats.  My Department has rejected these requests in light of the original reason for the creation of bus lanes, at the taxpayer’s expense, i.e. the prioritisation of public transport and the fact that hackneys and limousines, unlike taxis, are not available for on-street hire. 

My view remains that the use of bus lanes should not be extended in any way which would undermine their original purpose through adding to congestion in these lanes. 

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

686. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work that has taken place with his Department, Dublin City Council, the National Transport Authority and Railway Procurement Agency to plan for the provision of sufficient taxi ranks during the construction of the new Luas line. [18917/13]

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

687. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work that has taken place to plan in conjunction with bodies such as Dublin City Council, the National Transport Authority and Railway Procurement Agency where taxi ranks will be restored and the new ranks that will be required for taxi following the completion of the new Luas line in order to provide the best link up transport provision possible. [18918/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 686 and 687 together.                                                  

The provision of taxi ranks during and after the construction of the Luas Cross-City project is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Dublin City Council. Noting this I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

688. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the requirement that new small public service vehicles operating as taxis must be at most three years old when entering the market and must be retired after 14 years, the measures he will take to help encourage the provision of wheelchair friendly taxis which are very expensive to purchase and replace in this timescale. [18923/13]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The regulation of the taxi industry, including issues pertaining to vehicle age limit, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Public Transport Regulation Act, 2009.

I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.