A major shake-up of Ireland’s taxi market could have implications for towns like Mallow, Charleville and Kanturk, following new recommendations from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
The Commission has confirmed it is recommending the removal of current restrictions on ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt. If implemented, the changes would allow private car owners to offer taxi services without holding a traditional taxi licence, while maintaining safety and service regulations.
The proposed reforms come amid ongoing complaints about taxi availability and rising costs. National survey results cited by the CCPC found that four in ten people attempting to hail a taxi in December experienced difficulties. In rural areas, almost two-thirds of respondents reported insufficient taxi numbers.
For commuters, shift workers, and those travelling to and from Cork City by rail, access to reliable late-night or early-morning transport is often a talking point locally. While Mallow has a number of taxi operators, availability during peak hours and weekends can be stretched.
The CCPC says the changes are not about removing regulation, but modernising it.
“Our research shows a clear preference for more choice among consumers who are not getting the service they need,” the Commission stated.
CCPC chairman Brian McHugh added that consumers “shouldn’t be faced with long waits or the possibility of staying home due to a lack of taxi availability,” stressing that any new entrants would still be regulated to ensure safety and service standards.
Uber has operated in Dublin since 2014, but under current Irish law drivers must hold a taxi licence. In other countries, ride-hailing platforms operate with private vehicle drivers, often using fixed fares and dynamic pricing to increase supply during busy periods.
If the recommendations are adopted by Government, towns like Mallow could potentially see private drivers enter the market for the first time.