Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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695. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if progress has been made regarding the development of a rural taxi licence, which is proposed to help persons living in rural areas where it may not be profitable for ordinary taxi operators to operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17551/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the taxi industry under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013. The NTA is also the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the actions agreed in the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011. Action 46 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report recommended the introduction of a local area hackney licence to address transport deficits in certain rural areas. Regulations providing for the introduction of such licences were made by the NTA with effect from the 30th November 2013 and applications can now be made under the scheme, which is being introduced on a pilot basis initially. More information and details on how to apply for a rural hackney licence may be obtained by phoning the NTA industry helpline on 076 1064000 or by visiting the NTA website at