Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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1586. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to allow chauffeurs, who hold public service vehicle licences, to utilise bus lanes when carrying passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30427/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997, as amended. The primary purpose of providing bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus-based public transport.

Having regard to the role of taxis in providing on-street immediate public hire services, an exemption to allow for their operation in bus lanes, when they are being used in the course of business, was provided. Bicycles are also permitted to use bus lanes. It remains my opinion that to extend the use of bus lanes to other categories of vehicles will serve to undermine their original purpose and I have no plans to amend the current policy.