Laois needs more taxis says general election candidate

INDEPENDENT general election candidate Pauline Flanagan said: “The falling numbers of taxis has serious implications for personal safety and businesses.

“We have to tackle the prohibitively high costs that taxi-drivers face and find better ways to support and encourage taxi-drivers. 

"They are a critical social resource who should not be left to the ravages of the market.

“The absence of taxis also has a crucial impact on businesses that depend on late-night customers, from rural restaurants to bustling city pubs, and stifling local economies that thrive on a vibrant nightlife.” She said: “The absence of taxis also has serious implications for customer and worker safety.

“It will be a priority for me to make it far easier for people in urban and rural areas to get a taxi and to make it easier for people to get into the taxi business. I will work closely with representatives to end a scenario where fewer taxis are now available for a growing population.” 

“One in seven taxi drivers leaving the market is not a sustainable situation. If there is a problem we need to solve it, not talk about it,” said Ms Flanagan.