Rural hackney grants wanted to keep Laois pubs and villages alive

A new rural taxi grant is being sought for Laois to help save pubs and businesses and serve rural passengers without a lift when they need it.

The pilot scheme that launched recently in 21 rural villages left out Laois, but a call is being made to include the county.

The Local Hackney scheme began last January gives €6,000 to help a hackney driver set up in business to serve passengers from the local area only, where no other taxi service finds it viable to operate.

Cllr Conor Bergin from Laois is calling on the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to add a local town or village in for 2024.

"The €6,000 is not a huge amount but it's a massive help with setting up a business, for insurance and the cost of a car. Unfortunately no area in Laois was chosen but it's due to be reviewed in January. I've had local enquiries, there is a huge demand for taxis but the cost can be prohibitive.

"Rural pubs are part of a community hub but you need a good taxi service. It's not just for pubs, its for hospital appointments and other journeys. Every parish needs a hackney service but they are not economically viable.

"I would prefer it in the west of Laois in Mountmellick, Mountrath or Borris-in-Ossory but I'd be glad to see it anywhere. It would help local rural businesses, I think it's an essential public service," Cllr Bergin said.

He tabled a motion to the November meeting of Laois County Council asking the council to send a request to the Minister.

Cllr Seamus McDonald seconded.

"There is a huge need for this in Clonaslee and Rosenallis where the local pubs have closed down," he said.

Cllr Ollie Clooney said it would "give a bit of life back to rural communities".

"People say 'we can get in but we can't get home'," he said.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) launched a one year pilot programme in January 2023, to trial a limited Local Hackney service in 21 rural locations across Ireland. The grants help part-time local hackney services to set up for communities in designated rural areas, which could not support a full time taxi or hackney operation.

The Local Hackney operates on a pre-booked basis and may only pick up passengers within a designated area of 7 to 10km from a chosen point, normally the residence of the licenced driver. The drop off point has no restrictions, so they can do long trips such as to Dublin hospitals.

Each successful applicant may be granted up to €6,000, payable over one year in equal monthly instalments where the service provider can show that the services are being used and that the Local Hackney is of benefit to the community.