Taxi numbers fall since Covid

Cavan has still not recovered their pre-COVID taxi driver numbers, as it experienced a 16% drop since 2019.

New figures from the National Transport Authority (NTA) reveal that despite Ireland’s population growing by 8.5% from 2019 to 2024 and inbound tourism numbers rising by 5% from 2023 to 2024, taxi driver numbers have remained stagnant or in sharp decline in many areas.

Nationally, the total number of taxi drivers has increased by only one percent yet actual taxi vehicle numbers operated by drivers have dropped 4.4% from 2019 to 2025. The figures show that taxi driver growth is overwhelmingly concentrated in Dublin, exacerbating existing inequalities and leaving both urban and rural communities, which have limited public transport alternatives, disproportionately disadvantaged.

Border region (Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan) down nearly 20%, with continued stagnation from 2023 to 2024.

Significant taxi decreases were seen in Monaghan (down by 28.6%), Longford (down by 20.9%).

“We are still facing a taxi shortage crisis,” said Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland and founding member of the Taxis for Ireland Coalition.

“It’s being hidden behind a modest urban recovery, but the reality in regional areas and at urban peak times is that people are stranded.

“In rural Ireland, hospitality businesses are being devastated. Without taxis, people stay home.

“We need a modern, flexible, and inclusive taxi system. Right now, the system works for no one - not the drivers, not the passengers, and not our economy.”