Ryanair chief executive Mr Michael O'Leary yesterday defended using his own personal taxi to avoid traffic gridlock.
Mr O'Leary said he had complied fully with all the regulations covering taxis.
"It's a black taxi, it's registered in Mullingar, I've a PSV driver who drives it for me and if they want to amend the regulations which says I'm allowed to pick up people in Dublin I'll be happy to pick up people in Dublin - I'll do it a lot cheaper.
"At a time when there is about to be a war in Iraq and there is a crisis in the health service, Michael O' Leary's taxi is capable of exciting everybody," Mr O'Leary added.
He told RTÉ Radio's Joe Duffy: "The problem appears to be that it's alright if I rent a taxi but if I own a taxi there's a problem."
Mr O'Leary said there was a meter in his taxi and a sign over it.
"It produces receipts as well. And if you're in Mullingar give me a call I'd be happy to look after you," he told Mr Duffy.
Mr O'Leary said that the fare from Mullingar to Dublin Airport was normally €82.
"Ryanair is a low-cost airline - we wouldn't entertain mileage allowances like that.
"It's just one of the penalties I pay for the pleasure of living in Mullingar.
"I don't go near the city centre of Dublin - that's why I choose to live in Mullingar," he said.
