A ‘fare’ solution? Council considers one 24-hour taxi rank in Longford town

Frustration over cars parking in Longford’s taxi ranks have prompted a proposal to introduce a permanent 24-hour taxi rank in one location within the town.

While the parking space on Ballymahon Street is open to motorists during the day, it is reserved for taxis from 6pm onwards. Motorists, however, continue to park there, often unaware of the changeover. Cathaoirleach Kevin Hussey said this was causing frustration among taxi drivers.

He added that while the introduction of a new traffic warden had improved the situation as he was doing a great job, problems remained when the current restrictions changed at 6pm each evening.

Cllr Hussey explained that taxi drivers had contacted Gardaí about the issue but that the guards had told them “they don't have the resources to be coming down and ticketing people.”:

He said a single 24-hour taxi rank would bring Longford in line with arrangements in other towns.

“If you go to any town in the country, there's a taxi rank in one place. It's not split up into two at different hours,” he said.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi, who said she receives “regular calls in relation to the parking there” and added that a designated taxi-only space would help support drivers and address ongoing parking issues.

During the discussion, Cllr Seamus Butler asked if the proposed permanent rank would be located on Ballymahon Street.

He suggested that, if this was the case, the existing taxi rank area near Market Square could potentially be returned to parking use.

Cllr Hussey said he would favour a location running from the Market Bar towards Weaver’s Hall, but added that discussions with taxi drivers would be required before a final decision could be reached.

Senior Executive Engineer Peter Brady said the council would review the current taxi arrangements on Ballymahon Street and examine the feasibility of introducing a 24-hour taxi rank in a single location, taking into account road safety, accessibility, traffic management, parking and the needs of taxi operators and local businesses.

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