Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
241. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in rolling out a local area hackney scheme; if further consideration will be given to the provision of hackney services in rural communities where it is not feasible to have a bus service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31771/26]
View answer242. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the supports that will be provided towards the provision of hackney services in rural communities where it is not feasible to have a bus service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31772/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the local area hackney, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
The NTA recently introduced new Regulations regarding the local area hackney license (LAH), which came into effect on 2 April 2026 following a public consultation that ran from 16 October 2025 to 28 November 2025. In these Regulations:
• Up to five drivers are permitted to operate the local area hackney. This marks a significant change from the previous requirement, which allowed only one driver to operate the hackney.
• The NTA has also launched a new online map showing all areas eligible for the scheme. Previously, applicants only learned if an area was eligible after submitting an application. The new system increases clarity and addresses concerns raised during consultation.
• Local area hackney licences can be granted where local communities can demonstrate to the NTA that transport needs are not being adequately met by existing public transport and SPSV services. Previously, local area hackney applications could not displace existing SPSV services in an area.
• The maximum licence period for vehicles and drivers is extended from 3 years to 5 years. This reduces the costs and administrative burdens on continuing LAH drivers.
• Licence holders must demonstrate that they are providing satisfactory service to their community when renewing their licence.
• The time-period in which a licence holder must complete their licence renewals is reduced from 12/24 months following expiration to within 3 months of their licence expiry, to ensure that a community is not without the required services.
• A new Fixed Penalty Notice offence for picking up passengers outside of their permitted local area has also been introduced. This safeguard is an important part of the scheme’s design. It ensures that the LAH licence serves its intended purpose, which is to provide essential transport in communities that do not have enough commercial taxi or hackney services to meet local needs. The restriction also protects the earning potential of fully licensed taxi and hackney drivers operating in nearby towns and urban centres, who have invested significantly more in their licences and meet wider regulatory requirements.
It is important to note that a resident of the area in respect of which the local area hackney licence is sought, is not required to undertake the Industry Knowledge or Area Knowledge tests normally applying to SPSV driver licences. LAH drivers nevertheless must be licensed, and their vehicles must be licensed and insured. Further information on the LAH license and how to apply is available here: [www.nationaltransport.ie/taxi/localhackney/].
Given the NTA's responsibility in relation to the local area hackney license, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
