Taxi shortage hitting Monaghan night time economy hard

Keith Falkiner

THE chronic lack of taxis serving Monaghan was one of the issues raised at this week's Monaghan Municipal District meeting, as Fine Gael councillor Alan Johnston said it was harming the county's nighttime economy.

It came as Monaghan MD passed a motion to write to Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien urging him to bring forward recommendations from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CPCC) around the opening up of taxi services to providers like Uber and Bolt.

Regulation

Cllr Jonhston said Monaghan was suffering from a “severe lack in the provision of taxi services”, which often meant people choosing to stay at home.

It was also a safety issue at play, as those who live in rural areas visiting their local pub or restaurant and may decide to walk home along poorly lit roads or laneways late at night.

Evolution

“We need people to increase their social lives at night. We need them in our towns and villages,” Cllr Johnston said, adding that the opening up of the sector to the likes of Uber, an app based provider that connects passengers with nearby drivers, would align with how transport systems are evolving around the world.

“The goal is to achieve a balance that protects consumers and ensures access, while also allowing competition and innovation to improve the market.”

However, Cllr Johnston noted it was not about lowering oversight of regulation.

“Any new entrants could and should be regulated to maintain high service and safety standards,” he said.

“Consumers and businesses deserve an innovative, functioning taxi sector that provides choice.

“Consumers shouldn't be faced with long waits or the possibility of staying home due to a lack of taxi availability.

“A lack of taxi services is hurting small local businesses, especially in the hospitality sector.”

Fellow Fine Gael Councillor Pauric Clerkin supported the motion, and said people's social lives in Monaghan were being affected by the lack of taxis.

He said many people now have to plan to go out early in the night so they can get a lift home. Cllr Clerkin said everything needs to be done to increase the provision of taxis in Monaghan.

The motion was passed unanimously.