Taxi drivers facing 'huge problems', meeting told

Castlebar taxi drivers have called for improved ranks and better signage.

Members of the Castlebar Taxi Group addressed a meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District on the challenges facing taxi drivers in the town.

John Coyle told councillors that there are currently 40 taxis in Castlebar with 15 of these operating at night-time.

There are currently taxi ranks on Bridge Street (six spaces), Main Street (three spaces) and Dunnes Stores (seven spaces). The Bridge Street rank doubles as a loading bay.

He said there are issues at the Bridge Street rank when motorists will leave their cars there for the entire weekend. 

“This is causing huge distress for drivers,” said Mr Coyne.

He said there are also ‘huge problems’ at Dunnes Stores where the taxi rank signs are ignored by drivers. The rank issues create an impression that it’s impossible to get a taxi in Castlebar, especially at night.

He said drivers are often unable to get into the ranks because they are occupied by regular vehicles and taxis end up driving around for the entire night or just going home.

He said a functioning taxi service is essential for the night-time economy.

The taxi driver also highlighted the abuse drivers receive. 

Mr Coyne said the Covid-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the industry in Castlebar with 25-30 taxi drivers never returning to work. The Castlebar taxi drivers are urging Mayo County Council to introduce a new rank at Tucker Street/Linenhall Street, close to Rocky’s and the Cobweb bars. He said if this area also served as a loading bay it would benefit businesses on the streets.