Night-time taxi rank plan

PLANS are underway to develop a night-time taxi rank at Abbey Street Car Park, close to the Queens. Ennis Taxi Federation has made a submission to Ennis Town Council outlining a proposal for a new rank operating from 8pm to 7am. The federation recently convened a meeting with the gardaí and the town council, with national president of the Irish Taxi Federation in attendance.
The federation has suggested the proposed rank could run along the existing roadway, close to the River Fergus. According to the submission, this would not interfere with any car-parking spaces. The submission goes on to state that the edges of the road could be painted with a blue line, similar to in other towns, with signage erected to advise the public of the night-time rank.
At this week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, town clerk Leonard Cleary described the proposal as still being in the “very early stages” and that a technical assessment would be needed, as well as consultation.
Councillor Johnny Flynn stated a later starting time for the rank may be more appropriate to allow business to continue while Councillor Frankie Neylon described the rank at Parnell Street as “one of the best in the country” and he expressed his concern about taxis going around the town looking for fares at night. Councillor Tommy Brennan suggested the rank be put at the back of O’Connell’s Bar, as was first mooted when taxis were removed from the Square.