New bus stop planned for Galway town after closure of long-running taxi company
An additional Local Link stop is to be introduced in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, to serve key medical service areas following the closure of a long-running taxi company.
Ballinasloe Councillor Alan Harney said the National Transport Authority has committed to approving a TFI Local Link stop in Brackernagh.
The move comes as Mighty Cabs, which has operated in the town for 34 years, is set to cease services on April 24. Its closure will leave regular users, including those travelling to Portiuncula Hospital and the social services day centre, without a dedicated transport option.
Owner Rory Daly said the decision was driven by ongoing difficulties in recruiting drivers.
He pointed to a high failure rate in the taxi driver test as a significant barrier to entry, saying it is discouraging people from joining the industry.
“My hand has been forced,” Mr Daly said.
“To drive a taxi, a driver must hold a PSV licence, which requires passing a two-part NTA test. The first part covers industry knowledge, while the second focuses on area knowledge.”
Cllr Harney said the planned Local Link stop, expected to be rolled out in the coming months, will help address transport needs in the town.
However, he added that he is continuing to explore “all options”, including engaging with taxi providers across the county.
“I think this is a really important step in expanding the availability of public transport in the town and surrounding areas, and in providing better connectivity for people locally,” he said.