Ireland’s competition watchdog is calling on the Government to remove regulatory barriers in the taxi sector, citing significant supply shortages and growing consumer demand for ride-hailing services.
New research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), published today, found that two in five people who tried to get a taxi in December 2025 experienced difficulties, with 27% saying they gave up entirely because no taxis were available.
The Scale of the Problem
The CCPC surveyed 1,023 Irish consumers, aged 16 and above, between 22 January and 5 February 2026, in collaboration with research firm Ipsos B&A. The findings paint a particularly stark picture outside of Dublin.
While 56% of Dublin residents feel there are enough taxis in their area, that figure drops to just 28% for those living outside the capital. In Connacht and Ulster, only 21% of respondents agreed there were sufficient taxis available locally.
Overall, 57% of those who expressed an opinion believe there are not enough taxis in their area.
What Consumers Want
The research found considerable appetite for alternatives. Almost half of taxi users surveyed (49%) said they would like the option of accessing ride-hailing services, subject to regulatory requirements. That figure rose to 57% among those who believe taxi supply in their area is insufficient.
Ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt connect passengers with private drivers through an app, allowing drivers to use their own vehicles rather than operating under a traditional taxi licence. This model is commonplace across Europe and beyond but currently faces regulatory barriers in Ireland.
When asked about fare structures, 60% of respondents said they would prefer a fixed fare option over a metered fare.
The CCPC’s Position
CCPC chair Brian McHugh said the current regulatory environment has held back innovation that has taken hold elsewhere.
“Regulatory barriers in the taxi market have failed to facilitate innovations that have flourished in other countries and consumers are suffering as a result,” McHugh said. “Consumers shouldn’t be faced with long waits or the possibility of staying home due to a lack of taxi availability.”
McHugh was clear that the call for reform is not a push to remove oversight entirely. “This is not about abandoning oversight or regulation. Any new entrants could and should be regulated to maintain high service and safety standards.”
What Happens Next
The CCPC’s research comes ahead of a regulatory assessment by the National Transport Authority (NTA), which is due to begin examining the licensing of dispatch operators later in 2026. The CCPC has said it intends to engage with the NTA’s consultation process.
The Commission is calling on the Government to act ahead of that process, arguing that consumers and businesses alike need a taxi sector that is more responsive, more competitive, and better aligned with how transport is evolving internationally.
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