Castlebar’s economy at risk due to taxi shortage, say councillors

CONCERN has been expressed that the shortage of taxis in Castlebar is affecting the economy of the county town.

A presentation made to members of the Castlebar Municipal District Council heard people are becoming reluctant to socialize in the town at night due to lack of available taxis.

Castlebar Taxi Group have called for a new space to be installed on Castlebar’s Linenhall Street that would operate as a taxi rank after 6.30pm and as a loading bay after 8am.

John Coyne, a local taxi driver, told the meeting that between 25 and 30 local taxis did not return following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Coyne said that local drivers had been shown ‘total disrespect’ from people parking in taxi ranks on a regular basis and called for heavier fines for transgressors.

The Castlebar Taxi Group have also asked for improved signage and new paint to be applied around designated taxi ranks.

Recent figures from the National Transport Authority have shown that the number of taxis in Mayo has dropped by over 18 percent since 2019.

There are currently three taxi ranks in Castlebar; on Bridge Street, Main Street and Dunnes Stores.

According to Castlebar Taxi Group, the town is served by 40 taxis, with 15 operating at night.

Mr Coyne said a perceived lack of taxis in Castlebar was leading to increased use of private cars and an increased risk of anti-social behaviour from people hanging around for longer at night.

He added that many people were considering not socialising in the town at night because it was ‘too much hassle’ to get home.

His suggestions were supported by the elected members of Castlebar Municipal District Council.

Fianna Fáil Al McDonnell called for ‘severe penalties’ to be imposed on those who park illegally in taxi ranks. The existing fine for parking illegally in a taxi rank is €40.

Cllr Ger Deere said that the livelihoods and the economy of Castlebar was ‘at stake’ due the issues surrounding the local taxi service.

The Snugboro-based councillor said he knew of one couple who lived near him who had to walk home from Castlebar recently as they were unable to find a taxi.

Cllr Donna Sheridan also supported measures to improve conditions for taxi drivers, saying they provided a ‘vital service’ in the community.

The Fine Gael councillor suggested that Mayo County Council ask the Department of Transport to provide funding to paint the local taxi ranks yellow.

“There’s so many signs and road markings, you get confused. But you know a disabled spot because it's blue. You don’t go near it and it’s just it. If they [taxi ranks] were yellow…people mightn’t go near them as much,” she explained.

Fianna Fáil councillors Blackie Gavin and Martin McLoughlin also lent their support for improved conditions for taxi drivers.

“People must take on board that they have to respect the taxi people that provide this vital

service to them,” said Cllr McLoughlin.

Mayo County Council is currently working with the group to improve signage and markings around taxi ranks in the town.

David Mellett, Mayo County Council’s Head of Castlebar Municipal District, said the council would engage with the Department of Transport for funding to paint the existing taxi ranks in the town.

He said that it would make ‘sound sense’ to install a new taxi rank on Linenhall Street but said this require the adoption of new bylaws in the second half of the year.