A POPULAR Donegal night-time destination needs greater safety so people can get home after an evening of socialising, it is claimed.
Gardai have been involved in inspections of alleged unregulated taxi services in areas like Inishowen recently.
The matter highlights the need for more public service vehicles across the county, according to some Donegal County councillors.
Jack Murray, who is a councillor for the Inishowen Municipal District, believes renewed focus on the gap in service is essential.
He has called for “safe, legal and reliable ways to get people home”.
Cllr Murray said: “In recent days I see a lot of hype in local media about the prosecution of unregulated taxis in Buncrana.
“The question we need to ask, though, is: Why is it happening in the first place?
“Obviously, nobody should be operating illegally, and proper regulation matters.
“But we also need to be honest about why this happens.
“Buncrana is a great town for a night out. We have brilliant pubs, restaurants, live music, local events and a strong night-time economy.
“But the biggest problem for many people is not deciding whether to go out — it is knowing whether they can get home safely afterwards.
“That lack of available transport creates a gap. And where there is a gap, options can emerge that are unregulated.”
Sinn Féin Cllr Jack Murray. Photo: Clive Wasson.
Cllr Murray added: “To be clear: that is not a defence of taxis operating illegally.
“Passengers deserve to know that the vehicle they are getting into is safe, insured and properly licensed. Local licensed taxi drivers also deserve fairness.
“They work late nights, weekends and unsocial hours, providing an important service and helping people get home safely.
“But the fact that the system is so expensive, slow and cumbersome to enter is clearly part of the problem.
“If it is too difficult or too costly for people to become properly licensed and regulated, then Government needs to look seriously at that.
“That is why the efforts put into the Buncrana Night-Time Economy are so important.
“There has been real local work to support businesses, improve safety and make sure people can enjoy the town after dark.
“But local effort needs national backing. Enforcement has a role, but prosecutions alone will not solve this.
“Government energy should be focused on making sure people have safe, legal and reliable ways to get home.
“That means supporting licensed taxi drivers, removing unnecessary barriers to regulation, improving late-night transport options, and ensuring people are not left stranded at the end of the night.”