Ireland’s consumer watchdog has called for the removal of regulatory barriers to allow ride-sharing platforms like Uber and Bolt to fully enter the taxi market.
While Uber has been available primarily in Dublin since 2014, unlike in other countries, it is not allowed to connect passengers with private cars, relying exclusively on licensed taxi drivers.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), in response to a consumer survey that showed almost half of taxi users surveyed wanted the choice of ride-hailing, called on Government to remove regulatory barriers to facilitate the full entry of these services.
“Ride-hailing platforms, such as Uber or Bolt, connect private drivers to passengers via apps,” the CCPC said in a statement, continuing, “this would mean allowing these private drivers to provide services using their own cars, subject to appropriate regulatory safeguards”.
The research conducted by the CCPC found that four in 10 people who tried to get a taxi in December 2025 reported difficulties doing so.
It also indicated that 57 percent of those who expressed an opinion said that there are not enough taxis available in their area.
However, the CCPC noted “stark differences” across geographical locations, with 56 percent of those living in Dublin responding that there are enough taxis in their area, while only 28 percent of those outside of Dublin agreed.
The figure fell to 21 percent for those respondents living in Connacht or Ulster.
Those surveyed were asked whether they would like the choice of accessing ride-hailing services, subject to regulatory requirements, to which 49 percent of taxi users said that they would.
This figure rose to almost 60 percent for those who said that there weren’t enough taxis in their area.
Commenting on the findings, Chair of the CCPC, Brian McHugh, said that regulatory barriers in the taxi market “have failed to facilitate innovations that have flourished in other countries and consumers are suffering as result”.
“Our research shows a clear preference for more choice among consumers who are not getting the service they need.
“This is not about abandoning oversight or regulation. Any new entrants could and should be regulated to maintain high service and safety standards. Consumers and businesses deserve an innovative, functioning taxi sector that provides choice. Consumers shouldn’t be faced with long waits or the possibility of staying home due to a lack of taxi availability,” Mr McHugh said.
“The CCPC is calling on the Government to remove key regulatory barriers in the taxi market so that it can be more responsive to consumer needs and align better with how transport systems are evolving all over the world.
“The goal is to achieve a balance that protects consumers and ensures access, while also allowing competition and innovation to improve the market. We look forward to engaging with the NTA in their consultation process and to exploring all solutions that might increase capacity and choice,” he said.