The number of taxis operating across Ireland could be capped, it emerged today.
The Joint Committee on Transport has agreed to review taxi licensing regulations.
During its review, the Committee said it will examine the possibility of changing the legislation to give the Taxi Regulator the discretion to put a cap on the number of taxi licences being issued where there is already a substantial numbers of taxis operating.
Representatives from taxi associations in Dublin, Galway and Waterford will address the committee on problems they have in relation to the number of taxis operating, traffic congestion, and the lack of parking spaces at taxi ranks.
Taxi regulator Kathleen Doyle will also appear before the joint committee on April 23rd to discuss the issue.
Meanwhile the Commission for Taxi Regulation today published its consultation paper on the revision of the national maximum taxi fare.
The body is inviting both the public and those working in the industry to submit their views on the matter.
The Commission introduced a new national fare in September 2006 and a decision on this latest review will take place later this year.
Ms Doyle said: “The Commission believes that the introduction of a National Maximum Taxi Fare and single Taximeter Area has greatly enhanced the service provided to the public and been of benefit to the industry.
“It does however make sense to assess the individual aspects of the fare on a regular basis, to take account of market conditions, economic changes and such like.”
The Commission is asking people to comment on whether the maximum fares as well as the booking and extra-passengers fares should be changed.
Politicians plan to invite members of the Competition Authority to appear before the committee, while submissions will be sought from taxi users.
Committee chairman Frank Fahey TD said a decision will then be made on whether a recommendation will be put to Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to consider if a change in legislation is necessary.
“A market now exists for taxi licences in cities like Galway where they are advertised for sale on a weekly basis in local newspapers,” he added.
PA