Clare hospitality providers are calling for regulation changes and subsidised taxi services in order to sustain nightlife in rural parts of the county.
It comes just days after an Oireachtas Committee was told the shortage of taxis is harming the hospitality economy.
According to the National Transport Authority, there are currently 464 taxi drivers operating in Clare.
This is the second lowest total in the province and it’s less than half of the amount available in Limerick, Cork and Kerry.
The Taxis for Ireland Coalition has since told the Oireachtas Transport Committee that these shortages are affecting both hospitality customers and workers and making it virtually impossible for people to get home safely.
Co-Owner of Hotel Woodstock and Clare Tourism Advisory Chair Seán Lally believes given the widespread use of digital maps, the strict criteria for becoming a taxi driver should be relaxed.
Egan’s Bar in Liscannor has recently taken the unique approach to provide a courtesy car service for customers from the pub to Lahinch Bus Stop as a means of overcoming taxi deficits.
However, Patrick O’Donoghue , Owner of the Monk’s Restaurant in Ballyvaughan believe’s it isn’t possible to roll out such an initiative countywide and insists a government subsidised private taxi service is the only viable solution.
You can listen to the full interview below.
