Westmeath has fewer taxi licences than before Covid-19 – National Transport Authority

Taxi numbers in Westmeath have declined by almost 17 per cent, according to the National Transport Authority (NTA). The figure, together with those for the rest of the country, was given in response to a parliamentary question by independent TD Carol Nolan.

Reacting to the figures, the Taxis for Ireland Coalition has said the “dramatic drop” in available taxis raises concerns for the hospitality industry as well as other passengers, particularly as tourist numbers surge in the coming months.

Taxi numbers in the Midlands East Region excluding Dublin have fallen by 17.5%, which has led to criticism of current SPSV policy by various stakeholders, particularly in hospitality and tourism.

Adrian Cummins, CEO, Restaurants Association of Ireland, said hospitality businesses often rely on taxis to get customers home safely, especially after dark. “With little to no public transport links in rural areas and without a taxi service, many people won't go out, further squeezing already strained rural businesses. The government need to take immediate action to address this issue before it cripples the industry entirely.”

The decline in taxi numbers is attributed to a number of factors, the Covid-19 pandemic, an onerous entry system, and costly barriers for new drivers – such as outlays of up to €59,000 for a vehicle.

The Taxis for Ireland Coalition propose a 30% increase in taxi vehicles by 2027, the removal of the WAV requirement for newly registered SPSVs and a re-assessment of the SPSV Driver Entry Test’s geography-based knowledge requirements.

The removal of the WAV requirement but the continuation of the WAV grant would mean a larger pool of taxis to choose from, meaning that people that do not need a WAV will not be booking one unnecessarily.

The coalition state that these measures would alleviate the current burdens facing prospective new drivers and would increase overall supply into the market.

“A reliable and accessible taxi network is essential for a thriving hospitality industry and local economies,” says Kieran Harte, general manager of Uber Ireland.

“Taxis provide a safe and familiar option for visitors to Ireland and serve an invaluable service to people in rural and urban areas alike.

"We urge the government and NTA to acknowledge the issue and take concrete steps to improve the supply of licensed, regulated taxi drivers and vehicles.”