The number of taxis in the State has increased by over 9,000 since the liberalisation of the industry in 2000, figures released today show.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, today released figures which show the number of taxis in Irish cities and towns have increased from 3,934 to 12,845 in the three years to the end of 2003.
Dublin recorded the largest increase, with taxi numbers rising from 2,722 to 9,320 in the same period.
Cork experienced a three-fold increase in taxi numbers, from 216 to 719; while Galway's taxi numbers rose from 148 to 469 and Limerick saw a similar increase, from 206 to 513.
Towns around the state show similar increases, with new services established since liberalisation in towns such as Letterkenny, Bray and Cobh.
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Mr Brennan also announced today that from August 2nd, people applying for a taxi, hackney or limousine licence will now be obliged to produce a tax clearance certificate from the Revenue Commissioners.
Taxi vehicle licences are renewed annually and drivers' licences are renewed on a five-year basis.
Mr Brennan advised all holders of existing taxi licences who may have outstanding tax issues to arrange to put their tax affairs in order without delay.
He said the measure, recommended to him by the National Taxi Council, was one of a number of initiatives being introduced to promote a more professional, reliable and safe taxi service in which the travelling public could have full confidence.
Mr Brennan added: "The latest statistics confirm that there has been tremendous growth in the taxi industry in just a few years. For consumers the result has been a more frequent and more reliable service. For the industry itself it has meant more jobs and increased opportunities."