‘We need to get people into Westport, but people also need to get home’ – calls made for better late-night transport
Westport is set for significant growth over the coming years, with major developments expected to increase footfall and boost the town’s economy. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of late-night transport options for visitors.
Calls have been made to improve taxi and hackney services to ensure people can get home safely from Westport, particularly after nights out, and to safeguard the number of operators currently in the area.
The issue was highlighted at the January meeting of the Westport and Belmullet Municipal District, where Cllr Brendan Mulroy proposed that a meeting be held between Mayo County Council, An Garda Síochána and local transport operators.
Westport’s popularity continues to grow. The reopening of the historic Westport House following renovations is expected to draw more visitors, while the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor from Claremorris to Athenry will link Westport directly with Galway, making the town more accessible.
The town’s nightlife has also seen renewed momentum, with late-night venues reopening and extending their hours. Henehan’s on Bridge Street reopened before Christmas and now operates at weekends until 3am, while BAR23, which opened in summer 2024, stays open until 2am on Saturdays.
The shortage of taxis in Westport has been raised on several occasions, with reports that some drivers have refused fares to passengers travelling outside the town.
Cllr Mulroy said the combination of increased tourism, improved rail connectivity and a thriving nightlife makes a reliable late-night transport service essential for public safety and the town’s continued growth.
“Westport is a vibrant town, and it is essential for people to come in, but it is equally important to get them home,” he said.
“We have hackneys, taxis, Uber - it is very important that these services are wrap-around and they work efficiently. When people are left on the street, it creates problems,” he added.
Welcoming the upcoming developments, Cllr Mulroy said it was the council’s responsibility to have the necessary infrastructure in place to accommodate the increase in visitor numbers.
He said that while canvassing during the last election, he received a lot of feedback from people who wanted better late-night transport services in and out of Westport.
The Westport-based councillor also highlighted safety concerns, particularly for young women, and the importance of ensuring they can enjoy a night out while knowing they can get home safely.
“We can lead the conversation on that, make sure people can go out and enjoy themselves but also get home safely. There is a conversation to be had, and the hackney, taxi and Uber drivers should be part of that conversation,” he said.
Cllr John O’Malley seconded the proposal and said it was vitally important that the council safeguard the town's transport operators.
“Every [taxi] we have, we need it. There is no sense in people coming out of a pub or a disco and having no taxi bring them home - it breeds trouble,” he warned.
He said the council should aim to ensure that when people leave Westport late at night, transport is available to bring them home.
“We want to safeguard everyone we have [working] in Westport, especially at the weekends - because if you're in town and you call for a taxi you might wait an hour,” he said.
Responding at the meeting, the Head of the Westport and Belmullet Municipal District said the council has “provided a good range of taxi ranks in the town in Westport - there is sufficient space there”.
He was corrected by Cllr Mulroy, who informed him that there was a longstanding agreement made years ago following advice from a former Superintendent. Under that agreement, no taxi ranks were put in the town to allow both taxis and hackneys to operate.
He said this approach had worked as it allowed more operators to service Westport.
“We need to ensure every provider in Westport is kept in Westport,” he said, “The difficulty now is that the population is increasing, and thankfully, Westport is getting busier”.
“The rural areas around Westport are entitled to get into town and have a proper service,” he added, “We need to get people into Westport, but people also need to get home.”
The conversation in the meeting came a day before An Garda Síochána Mayo posted an update on a Compliance and Enforcement operation carried out in Westport on Friday, December 19, 2025, and Friday, January 23, 2026.
Over the two days, Compliance Officers from the National Transport Authority, members of An Garda Síochána, Social Welfare and Revenue Inspectors joined forces to investigate unlicensed drivers and vehicles offering services to the public.
Provisions under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013/2016 were enforced, and fixed payment notices were issued to operators who were in breach of the regulations.
Nearly €2,000 was issued in fines, and court prosecution files will be prepared. An Garda Síochána said the operation was one of many ongoing across Ireland.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.