The transport minister has ruled out ridesharing apps with private car drivers after the consumer watchdog called for them to be deregulated. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said its research highlighted a supply shortage in the taxi sector, as four in 10 people who tried to get a taxi in December reported difficulties doing so. However, Darragh O'Brien said there was "no intention" to change the policy to allow private drivers on apps. A sustainable taxi sector is an important element of our transport system, and I encourage taxi drivers, passengers, the CCPC and all stakeholders to take the opportunity to feed into this important piece of work. About a third of Ireland’s more than 17,000 taxi drivers make use of Uber to source fares.

Source: Irish Examiner February 19, 2026 17:14 UTC