Pilot hackney service should be rolled out countywide
There is a need to establish a local hackney scheme throughout Co Cavan. That’s according to Cllr Aine Smith (FF) who put forward a motion at the February meeting of Cavan County Council.
Cllr Smith pointed to a hackney pilot scheme set up in Killeshandra last year and suggested there was merit in expanding it countywide.
“It’s a great resource for some of our older citizens and a subsidised hackney service would suit them perfectly,” she continued.
“I would like it if we could write to the Minister requesting that the scheme being piloted in Killeshandra can be expanded across Co Cavan,” she said.
Cllr Patricia Walsh (FF) then told those gathered she has been inundated with complaints from people who can’t get taxis when they go out at night.
“The taxi companies will tell you that they can’t get people to work at night,” she continued, before adding that she would be interested in learning more about the scheme in Killeshandra and how it’s going.
Cllr Trevor Smith (FG), a taxi driver himself, said that one of the stumbling blocks to the scheme is attracting operators to run it. He then highlighted the biggest problem of all - the costs involved.
“Vehicles have to be wheelchair accessible now and it costs €50,000 - this is a lot for operators starting out in the business,” he explained.
“This really should not be applicable to those starting out.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Sarah O’Reilly (Aontú) pointed to social and rural isolation, which she said “is a genuine reality for some people”.
“Going to the local pub is often the only social outing a person may have that week,” she continued.
“This pilot scheme is a good idea but, if it is to work, it will need light regulation.”
Thanking everyone for supporting her motion, Cllr Smith said clarification on whether the scheme was part-time or full-time was needed. She also asked for documentation on where the money that has been paid out for the scheme has gone.
Members agreed to write to the Minister seeking further information.