North West counties have seen a decline in drivers with taxi licences when compared with pre-covid levels.
New figures released by the NTA have been highlighting stark regional disparities in access to essential transport.
The drop in taxi numbers stretches right across the region.
When comparing 2023 with pre-pandemic levels, Sligo saw the smallest decrease in the North West, with a drop of exactly 10%.
This was followed by Donegal on 18.26%, and Leitrim close behind on 18.39%.
The figures also show a steady decrease across some counties in region year-on-year.
Once again, Leitrim saw the highest decrease, with a dip of 7.79% between 2022 and 2023.
Donegal also showed a small drop in the same time period, with numbers lowering by 1.91%.
Sligo actually had a slight increase on this occasion, with a rise of 1.47%.
In total, 23 out of 26 counties surveyed highlighted decreases in taxi numbers, with The Taxis for Ireland Coalition calling on the NTA and the Government to take immediate action to address the shortage of taxis.
