Ireland's Taxi Shortage Laid Bare as New Research Calls for Ride-Hailing Reform

New research published today shows that four in ten people who tried to get a taxi last December ran into difficulties, with rural areas hit hardest and the west of Ireland feeling the squeeze most acutely.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) released the findings on 19 February 2026, calling on the Government to remove regulatory barriers that it says are preventing ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt from operating here. The research, carried out by Ipsos B&A with a nationally representative sample of 1,023 people, paints a stark picture of a sector struggling to meet demand.

Across the country, 57% of those who expressed an opinion believe there are not enough taxis available in their area. Outside Dublin, that figure rises sharply, with just 28% of people saying supply is adequate. In Connacht and Ulster, only 21% feel well served, while Munster fares only marginally better at 30%. Dublin, meanwhile, is relatively content, with 56% satisfied with availability.

The problems were felt most keenly over the Christmas period. Of the 53% of taxi users who tried to get a cab in December 2025, two in five encountered difficulties. A quarter said they had no choice but to give up entirely as no taxis were available.

When problems did arise, long waits were the most common complaint. Over half of those affected waited more than 15 minutes, with 21% waiting at least 30 minutes. Sixteen per cent had a booking accepted only for it to be later cancelled or refused.

On the question of reform, opinion is divided but the appetite for change is clear. While 48% prefer the current licensed-only system, 40% would support allowing non-licensed drivers to provide services using their own vehicles, subject to appropriate checks. Among those who believe there is a shortage in their area, support for that option rises to 49%.

Nearly half of taxi users (49%) said they would welcome the option of ride-hailing services, rising to 57% among those who feel supply is insufficient. Six in ten respondents also said they would prefer a fixed fare option over a metered fare.

Brian McHugh, CCPC Chair, said: "Regulatory barriers in the taxi market have failed to facilitate innovations that have flourished in other countries and consumers are suffering as a result. Consumers shouldn't be faced with long waits or the possibility of staying home due to a lack of taxi availability."

He added: "This is not about abandoning oversight or regulation. Any new entrants could and should be regulated to maintain high service and safety standards."

The CCPC has said it will engage with the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of its upcoming regulatory assessment of dispatch operator licensing, which is due to begin later this year.