10-year age rule should be extended due to shortage of taxis, Deputy McAuliffe says

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Northwest, Paul McAuliffe, has called for the 10-year age limit for taxis to be extended given the current shortage of taxi’s in the City.

A shortage of taxis in Dublin is now posing a safety risk for those trying to safely make their way home after an evening out, particularly at the weekend, Deputy McAuliffe says.

“The shortage is leaving hundreds of people in the lurch and has led to concerns over the safety of women, students and night-time workers who are struggling to get home.

“We cannot underestimate the vital role taxi drivers play in keeping people safe at night, the shortage has become a public safety issue and it’s vital that we address it without delay.”

Deputy McAuliffe has urged his colleagues in Government and the NTA to consider a number of measures to alleviate the pressure on demand.

“One measure that could be very easily lifted is the 10-year age limit on vehicles used as taxis, while the grants available to replace older cars with EV vehicles are welcome, the long delay in supplying the vehicles is a burden to the industry.

“We need an immediate solution and removing the 10-year vehicle age limit will prevent many from leaving the industry.

“We also must ensure that our taxi drivers are not operating at a loss due to circumstances beyond their control such as the Ukraine war and look at how best to offset the increase in fuel charges.

“We must again look at the 10-year rule which obliges drivers to change their vehicle despite nearly two years of almost no business.

“We need an exceptional contingency proposal to extend vehicle age limits and prevent further drivers from leaving the industry ”, concluded Deputy McAuliffe.