The Local Area Hackney License, which is designed to facilitate low-cost entry into the taxi sector for isolated rural areas, is being introduced on a pilot basis and applications can now be made to the National Transport Authority.

These regulations allow the National Transport Authority to grant hackney licenses for isolated rural areas at a low cost of approximately €50 in the case of the vehicle license. Currently hackney license are only being issued to vehicles that are wheelchair accessible which can bring the cost of providing such a service to in excess of €30,000 and would not be viable.

Applicants for the license will be required to be sanctioned by a local business or community group and need to demonstrate that their area has a deficit of public transport and taxi services. This will require the approval of the local authority.

• View the Guidelines for obtaining a Local Area Hackney License
• Print the Application for a new local area hackney vehicle licence