CHANGES to the hackney licence are to be community driven and will offer a lifeline for rural communities across West Cork which currently have no service, it’s been claimed.

The enhancement of the Local Area Hackney (LAH) licence by the National Transport Authority (NTA) means five licensed drivers can operate a single vehicle in a community - boosting night-time economies and tourism.

These may include friends or family members where the service is privately operated, or staff of a local business where the business owner provides the community service.

Towns such as Skibbereen, Macroom, Dunmanway, Bantry and Castletownbere and the Beara Peninsula – all with populations of less than 5,000 – are to benefit from the new rule which will provide a more affordable alternative to a standard hackney licence.

An NTA spokesperson confirmed that both the driver and the vehicle must be licenced before LAH operations can commence, and these licences last up to five years, an increase from the previous three-year limit.

‘The changes follow detailed feedback from communities and applicants and aim to make the scheme easier to access, more transparent and more responsive to local needs.’

Speaking to The Southern Star, Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea described the new LAH Licence as ‘a major boost for rural transport in Cork’.

‘Macroom for example and its surrounding areas will be a central focus of this new LAN service and that is hugely welcome. Rural communities across Cork North West have long highlighted the need for more flexible and reliable local transport and this initiative directly responds to those concerns,’ he said.

He said the changes introduced by NTA will make a ‘tangible difference on the ground.’

‘This is a practical, community-driven solution. By allowing local people to operate within their own areas, we are supporting neighbours helping neighbours – whether that’s getting to medical appointments, accessing shops or staying connected socially.’

Deputy O’Shea added that the flexibility now built into the scheme is particularly important.

‘Allowing multiple drivers to operate one vehicle will greatly enhance service availability, especially in areas like Macroom where demand can vary throughout the day.’

He added that he would strongly encourage individuals, community groups and local businesses in Macroom and across Cork North West to consider getting involved.

‘This is an opportunity to deliver a vital service while strengthening community ties.’

Kevin O’Brien, director of regulation at the NTA said that LAH drivers are often the people who know their community best.

‘They understand who would benefit from a reliable local services. The changes we are making are designed to support those people and to help new drivers get involved.’

The NTA has also launched a new online map showing all areas eligible for the new scheme, which must have a population less than 5,000. See localhackney.ie for more details.

Deputy Colm Burke (FG) also hailed the change to the licence. He said: ‘Rural Ireland depends on people in communities who step up. These changes recognise that reality and make it easier for neighbours, families and local businesses to provide a vital service.’