The hospitality sector is going to suffer if the shortage of taxis in towns  isn't addressed, according to Ballina councillor Seamus Weir.

Councillor Weir raised the issue at the recent meeting of Ballina Municipal District after personally experiencing long queues for a taxis in Ballina when trying to get home after being out socializing with friends.

He said that while providing taxi licences is not in Mayo County Council’s remit, it should still try to support taxi drivers in renewing or receiving their licence.

Councillor Weir told Midwest Radio's Alannah Nolan that taxis are an important service  in rural areas, particularly in areas not served by public transport and the issue needs to be addressed...