'No way of sugar coating it': Limerick man fails in court bid to secure taxi licence

A COUNTY Limerick man has failed in his bid to secure a taxi licence, after his application was rejected by gardai.

Jamie Ryan, who has an address at Chapel Close, Newcastle West, appeared before Limerick District Court to appeal the decision of Chief Superintendent Derek Smart to refuse his application for a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence.

In court, Chief Supt Smart testified that he refused the initial application in March of this year on the basis that Mr Ryan had incorrectly marked (on his application) that he had no previous convictions.

He outlined that it was during an in-person meeting with Mr Ryan that he admitted to having four previous convictions, dated between 2021 and 2024. 

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Mr Ryan told the court that he believed the reference to previous convictions on the application form only related to road traffic convictions. "I misread the question, I thought it was about taxi regulation," he said.

Addressing Mr Ryan, Judge Patricia Harney said: "It was a very clear question. It says 'ever' highlighted in black." The judge added: "You're not illiterate."

Mr Ryan responded by stating that he is "a young man who wants to work" and that he "deserves a chance".

The applicant then outlined his circumstances adding that he was seeking a PSV Licence so that he could work for his girlfriend's parent's business as he has "a child on the way."

When referencing his previous convictions, which include offences of public disorder and possession of a knife, he told the court: "I was young and stupid."

Judge Harney told Mr Ryan she was sceptical and had concerns about his explanation that he did not understand the question on the application form. "You're a little bit older but you're not stupid."

She emphasised that a taxi driver has to be "a good character" as they are potentially dealing with vulnerable people as well as people under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Judge Harney told Mr Ryan she had significant concerns about his failure to disclose his previous convictions initially. "It's a straight up lie, there is no way of sugar coating that."

On this basis, she said she was dismissing the appeal.