Written answers
Tuesday, 19 January 2016
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Public Transport
Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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481. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of rickshaws (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2242/16]
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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483. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person who is responsible for the supervision and regulation of rickshaws in the Dublin area; the names of the companies that are involved in this transport business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2256/16]
Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 481 and 483 together.
| Rickshaws are covered by road traffic law. Pedal-powered rickshaws come within the definition of 'pedal cycles' and powered rickshaws are classified as 'mechanically propelled vehicles'. They, like all other road traffic, are obliged to obey road traffic law. The measures which I introduced recently to allow An Garda Síochána to issue fixed charge notices to cyclists also apply to pedal powered rickshaws and will provide and important tool for An Garda Síochána in enforcing the law. At present there is no legislation in place to regulate the carriage of passengers by rickshaws. Rickshaws by their nature operate at a local level. Local authorities regulate many activities at local level through bye-laws made under local government regulation. In response to concerns (primarily of a health and safety nature), and following a consultation process with relevant stakeholders, Dublin City Council (DCC), has prepared draft bye-laws under the Local Government Act 2001 to regulate the operation of rickshaws. As I set out in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1186 of 3rd November 2015, it is my understanding that DCC, subject to receipt of certain legal clarifications, intend to bring the draft bye-laws, which would provide for a licensing regime for rickshaws, before the Strategic Policy Committee of the Council for its consideration. |
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