The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has called on the Government to remove regulatory barriers in the Irish taxi sector, following new research indicating persistent supply shortages and strong consumer demand for greater choice.
According to the CCPC’s findings, 53% of respondents attempted to secure a taxi in December 2025. Of those, two in five experienced difficulties, with 27% reporting that they ultimately abandoned their search due to a lack of availability. Overall, four in ten people who sought a taxi during the period encountered problems.
The research also reveals widespread perceptions of insufficient supply. Among respondents expressing a view, 57% stated that there are not enough taxis available in their area. Regional disparities are pronounced: while 56% of Dublin residents believe local supply is adequate, only 28% of respondents outside Dublin share that view, falling to 21% in Connacht and Ulster.
In response, the CCPC is advocating for reforms to facilitate entry by ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt, which connect private drivers and passengers via mobile applications. The authority proposes allowing private drivers to operate using their own vehicles, subject to appropriate regulatory safeguards.
Consumer appetite for such services appears significant. Forty-nine percent of taxi users surveyed indicated that they would like the option of accessing ride-hailing services, rising to 57% among those who believe local taxi supply is insufficient. In addition, 60% of respondents expressed support for a fixed fare option over traditional metered pricing.
Brian McHugh, Chair of the CCPC, stated: “Regulatory barriers in the taxi market have failed to facilitate innovations that have flourished in other countries and consumers are suffering as a result. Our research shows a clear preference for more choice among consumers who are not getting the service they need.”
He emphasised that reform “is not about abandoning oversight or regulation,” noting that new entrants should remain subject to robust safety and service standards.
The publication precedes the forthcoming regulatory assessment by the National Transport Authority (NTA) concerning the licensing of dispatch operators, expected later this year. The CCPC has indicated its intention to engage actively in the consultation process, with the stated objective of promoting a more competitive, innovative and responsive taxi market.