Taxi rank in Park Street not working

COUNCILLORS have called for a full review of taxi ranks, after hearing that Park Street business has been ‘ decimated’, because the system for cabs there is not working.

Town centre manager Martin McElligott raised the issue at a meeting of the Joint Policing Committee.

He said there are 17 dedicated spaces for taxis in Park Street, but they are not being used, and the night-time taxi ranks cause confusion for other motorists.

The taxi drivers ‘will park where they want’, often two and three abreast.

Mr. McElligott said the ranks are not being policed enough. The spaces are rarely used, and the taxis will do what they want.

He has suggested converting daytime loading bays to night-time taxi ranks, as has been done successfully in other towns.

Daniel Holland, representing Holland’s hardware store, said business has been decimated because customers cannot park to get into shops.

This (taxi) system is not being used. It is not working, he added.

Cllr. Maria Doyle remarked it is time for a full review of taxi ranks, a call which has been backed by Cllr. Conor Keelan.

Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan has undertaken to look at the taxi rank situation in Park Street to make sure it is policed.

Mr. McElligott handed into councillors a petition signed