Competition authority calls on Government to open up taxi market 

This follow research which shows many parts of the country lack taxi availability

Chair of the CCPC Brian McHugh said regulatory barriers in the taxi market had 'failed to facilitate innovations that have flourished in other countries, and consumers are suffering as result'.

The State’s competition authority has called on the Government to open up the taxi market, as new research shows a large number of people have experienced difficulty in getting taxis, particularly in more rural areas.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said its research highlighted a supply shortage in the taxi sector, as four in 10 people who tried to get a taxi in December reported difficulties doing so.

In addition, 57% of people surveyed expressed the belief there were not enough taxis available in their area. However, there are large differences across geographical locations.

While 56% of those living in Dublin believed there were enough taxis in their area, only 28% of those outside of Dublin agreed. This drops to 21% for those living in Connacht or Ulster.

The research found 53% of respondents surveyed tried to get a taxi in December 2025. Two in five who tried to get a taxi in December experienced problems, with 27% saying they had to stop looking as no taxis were available.

Nearly half, 49%, of taxi users would like the option of using ride-hailing services, such as Uber or Bolt. This increases to 57% for those who believe there are not enough taxis in their area.

When asked whether they would prefer a fixed fare or a metered fare, 60% of people said they would support a fixed fare option.

Late last year, taxi drivers announced they were going to hold a series of protests in Dublin over the decision of Uber to introduce fixed fares. However, the protests were suspended pending the outcome of a meeting with the Government over the issue.

Regulatory barriers

Chair of the CCPC Brian McHugh said regulatory barriers in the taxi market had “failed to facilitate innovations that have flourished in other countries, and consumers are suffering as result”.

“Our research shows a clear preference for more choice among consumers, who are not getting the service they need. This is not about abandoning oversight or regulation. Any new entrants could and should be regulated to maintain high service and safety standards,” he said.

The CCPC is calling on the Government to remove key regulatory barriers in the taxi market so it can be more responsive to consumer needs and align better with how transport systems are evolving.

“The goal is to achieve a balance that protects consumers and ensures access, while also allowing competition and innovation to improve the market,” Mr McHugh said, adding consumers should not be faced with long waits or the possibility of staying home due to a lack of taxi availability.

In Ireland, taxis are regulated by the National Transport Authority.

To operate a taxi, a person needs to pass the SPSV driver theory test, complete mandatory safeguarding courses, pay the €250 SPSV driver licence application fee, as well as submit forms and documentation to the local Garda station, which includes evidence of tax compliance as well as a copy of a driving licence.

The research was conducted by the CCPC in collaboration with Ipsos B&A. It was based on a survey of 1,023 consumers in Ireland aged 16 and over. The research comes ahead of the NTA regulatory assessment of the licensing of dispatch operators, which is due to begin later this year.