Taxi Fare Increases Expose Ministerial Cynicism
Taxi Fare Increases Expose Ministerial Cynicism
Statement by Councillor Dermot Lacey
Labour – Dublin South East
“Despite his self projected image as some sort of Transport Supremo, it would appear that former Minister Seamus Brennan was clearly reluctant to take any responsibility for the unpopular issue of taxi fare increases”, according to former Lord Mayor of Dublin and current Chairperson of the Joint Local Authorities Taxi/Hackney Committee, Councillor Dermot Lacey.
Speaking at the meeting of Dublin City Council at which a Taxi Fare increase was down for decision Councillor Lacey said “Despite transferring to himself, the Taxi Regulator and the National Taxi Council, all other powers in relation to the Taxi Industry, he has decided to leave the somewhat unpopular responsibility in relation to fare increases to local Councillors. What breathtaking cynicism.”
“In determining the composition of the new Taxi Council, Minister Brennan chose to ignore Local Government and in particular any of the four Dublin Councils, in whose area over 12,000 of the taxis operate.
“Councillors on the four Dublin Councils are now faced with the dilemma of determining one aspect in relation to the Taxi Service (fare increases) in Dublin, without having any input into the other issues surrounding the industry. Such division of responsibilities does neither the public or those working within the sector any good at all.
I am calling on the new Minister for Transport Martin Cullen to seek a nominee of Dublin City Council to serve on the National Taxi Council and to honour the long standing committment from this Government to establish an integrated Transport Authority for Dublin.
(Note that the proposal before the four Councils will involve an average 5.6% increase from January 2005.)
Dermot Lacey – 087-2646960
