Motorised rickshaws are being banned from the streets under updated laws designed to keep passengers and other road users safe.
Non-motorised rickshaw operators will need to be Garda vetted and hold a licence, as part of plans announced by the Transport Minister today.
The change will largely mirror existing licensing requirements for taxis and will only affect manual rickshaws.
Transport Minister Shane Ross says he hopes the changes will improve safety for passengers and for all road users.
“I am acutely aware of the dangers posed by rickshaws on our streets”, Minister Ross said.
He added that the new approach will "enhance customer experience and help improve the ambiance in our city centres, bringing further benefits for tourism and local businesses".
The Irish Taxi Drivers Federation has welcomed the introduction of the new regulations.
President of the group Joe Heron hopes the changes will improve safety for passengers and all road users.
He described rickshaws as a "huge danger" to other road users, and "in particular to passengers".
"Hopefully this will control them, and make them obey the laws", he said.
