A challenge by four hackney drivers to ministerial regulations governing the process for issuing more taxi licences in Dublin and Dundalk will be heard in the High Court next month.
Mr Justice Kearns was told yesterday that more than 2,600 current holders of taxi licences have applied to Dublin Corporation for a second licence. The Government is also proposing to make an additional 500 licences available in the Dublin area to new entrants. These licences would be awarded on a points system.
In their action against the State, Dublin Corporation and Dundalk Urban District Council, the four hackney licence holders are seeking to eliminate prohibitions on the granting of taxi licences in future. Yesterday, Mr Justice Kearns joined the National Taxi Drivers Union and its general secretary, Mr Thomas Gorman, as respondents in the action, which he listed for hearing on March 21st.
The judge continued until that date a court order made on February 7th when the four men were given leave to seek a judicial review of ministerial regulations dealing with taxi licensing since 1978. The order restrains Dundalk UDC and Dublin Corporation from allocating any taxi licences, following recent ministerial orders, pending the outcome of the proceedings.
The four applicants have alleged that successive ministers for the environment and local government have exceeded their powers in making such regulations. They are: Mr Christopher Humphrey of St Teresa's Gardens, Donore Avenue, Dublin; Mr Kevin Brady, Ashbrook Avenue, Dundalk, Co Louth; Mr Tony Doyle, St Laurence's Park, Stillorgan, Co Dublin, and Mr Thomas O'Connor, Greenwood Drive, Red Barrons Road, Dundalk.
At the previous hearing, Mr Feichin McDonagh SC, for the hackney men, said it was intended under the new scheme to offer the holders of taxi licences in Dublin a second licence. This meant that some people holding two, 20 and even 30 licences would get an additional licence for each one they held.
Mr John Rogers, for NTDU, said his clients represented the great bulk of taxi drivers and it was quite clear the nature of the proceedings would have a profound effect on the earning capacity of taxi drivers if Mr McDonagh's clients succeeded. He sought an early hearing of the action.
Mr Bryan Murray, for the Minister, said legislation had been introduced because there had been a pressing public demand for it.