Fianna Fáil will impose cap on new taxi licences

Date: 18/02/2011
Posted by: Darragh

I welcome the party’s decision to make an important and significant announcement on taxi policy today.

It has long been a concern of mine that taxi drivers find themselves in a position where they’re working very long hours to make ends meet. The industry has been affected, like so many others, by the economic downturn and is over-subscribed. Recognising that Fianna Fáil is supporting an immediate imposition of a cap on the issuing of new taxi licences.

The policy is centred on the idea of insuring a better, fairer and safer industry for the drivers who work in it and the customers who use it. Fianna Fáil has also made an important decision on the issue surrounding older vehicles in the industry. We believe the ‘9 year rule’ on the replacement of taxis should be suspended until 31st July 2012. This would allow time for this policy to be looked at again and in particular the impact it would have on an industry that’s already under strain.

There is no question that there has been a significant increase in the number of taxis in Dublin since the deregulation of the industry in 2000 and is over-subscribed. Action is needed on this and also on bringing forward new legislation to increase penalties for people operating illegally as taxis.”