Groups from the tourism, hospitality and enterprise sectors are urging the Taoiseach and Transport Minister to acknowledge "the extreme shortage" of taxis across the country.
The newly formed Taxis for Ireland Coalition, which includes the Restaurants Association of Ireland and Uber among its members, says the lack of taxis in cities, towns and rural areas is hitting the public and businesses alike.
The group says 7 out of 10 people have reported difficulties getting home after socialising and are calling on the government to take steps to address the shortage.
Speaking to RedFM News, CEO of Vintners' Federation of Ireland Pat Crotty outlines the feedback from their members:
"In rural areas particularly, but even in smaller urbans, the taxi and hackney service is poor or non-existent. Particularly at the times when our members need it for their customers. The result is that our members are having to drive customers home and if they didn't do it, they wouldn't have any customers in the first place. It's always a concern when people are doing an informal service like this, but they don't have any option".
