Clare publicans are demanding the Government devises a scheme to incentivise taxi drivers to work later at night.
While newly-published figures are indicating there are over 400 taxi drivers currently operating in the county, those working in the night-time economy claim this isn’t reflective of their experience.
New data from the National Transport Authority shows the number of taxi drivers in Clare rose by 10 last year to 419.
While it marks a 2.4% year-on-year increase, it means there’s been a five-year drop of 2.6% from 430 in 2019.
Across this period, only three counties, namely Dublin, Kerry and Limerick, saw a bump in their respective taxi driver numbers.
A member of the Ennis Purple Flag Committee, which is charged with making the county town’s night-time offering safe, accessible and varied, doesn’t believe there’s a shortage of taxis.
Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle says the onus is on everyone to make the evening a more lucrative period.
The Taxis for Ireland Coalition was convened in 2023 to highlight what it refers to as the “significant shortage of taxis” in the Irish market.
According to the coalition, there’s been a 24% reduction in small public service vehicle driver licences between 2012 and 2024.
One body counted among the coalition’s members is the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland.
Clare VFI Chair, Charlie O’Meara, of O’Dea’s Pub in Ennis claims it’s very difficult to find taxis for his customers at closing time.
You can listen to the full interview here:
