Taxi shortage ‘threat to safety & economy’
TDS & senators urged to help boost numbers
CABBIES have renewed calls for the Government to act urgently to address the chronic shortage of drivers, particularly at peak times.
Speaking to TDS and Senators in Leinster House yesterday, Taxis for Ireland Coalition members pointed to research showing the difficulty customers all over the country experience when trying to access services.
This comes following a recent meeting between the coalition and the National Transport Authority and correspondence with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan.
A report recently commissioned by Bolt revealed in Dublin, 43% of requested trips by customers can go unfulfilled at peak times between midday Friday and Sunday morning. Its findings indicated the problem is more pronounced in Cork where 56% of peak-time requests and 40% of off peak are unfulfilled.
Separate research last month out by Yougov on behalf of the Coalition revealed 39% of people asked are concerned about getting home safely due to the shortage of taxis.
Up to 64% of respondents said action should be taken to help increase the number of taxis in Ireland. Speaking ahead of the Dail briefing, Licensed Vintners Association chief Donall O’keeffe said: “The current taxi shortage poses a direct threat to our late night economy – bars, late bars and nightclubs – with customers leaving venues early due to the difficulties they will face in getting taxis home.
“The safety of our patrons is of paramount importance, yet the taxi shortage is affecting this.
“We are calling for measures to rectify the shortfall and protect the late-night economy of our capital city.” Restaurant Association of Ireland chief Adrian Cummins said: “The scarcity of taxis is disrupting the dining experience for customers.
“Many are facing challenges just getting to and from rural and urban restaurants.
“This shortfall urgently needs to be rectified to ensure the viability of our restaurants.”
Safety of patrons is paramount yet shortfall affects this DONALL O’KEEFFE LVA CHIEF EXECUTIVE