Public Transport Regulator
165. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the introduction of a separate public transport regulator for the greater Dublin area in conjunction with a separate national regulator to deal with other urban, inter-urban and rural services; and, in view of the difficulty in filling the position of taxi regulator, if he will also consider amalgamating the role of taxi regulator with public transport regulator within the one office. [2155/04]
Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 165 together.
It is my intention to establish an independent procurement and regulatory body for public transport. My priority for public transport regulatory reform is the establishment of this body. Such an independent body should be established on a national basis.
I am mindful of the significant work under way on the integration of land use and transport through the drawing up of regional planning guidelines by regional authorities having regard to the national spatial strategy. In light of this development, I am reviewing my proposals for a greater Dublin land use and transport authority.
The Taxi Regulation Act 2003 provides the legislative basis for the establishment of a commission for taxi regulation. Given that the legislation has been enacted so recently and the onerous tasks that it is faced with, I do not consider it appropriate, at this stage, to amalgamate this role with the regulation of the public transport market.