local

Thirty new taxi spaces in town

THIRTY NEW taxi spaces in town were approved at the September meeting of Sligo Borough Council last night (Monday).

One of the town's current ranks, at Abbey Street, is to be scrapped, Paula Gallagher, Acting Director of Services confirmed.

Cllr Chris MacManus described that rank as a ''white elephant.''  He recalled that when the rank at Quay Street was introduced taxi people at that time had a preference for Harmony Hill.

He noted there were 160 taxi plates in County Sligo and quite a number from Leitrim are allowed into Sligo, he said.

Consultation With Stakeholders

Sites for the new spaces include Kempten Parade and JFK Kennedy Parade. These will operate in evenings.

Garda authorities are to be asked for their views on taxi traffic entering Thomas Street from Kennedy Parade.

Cllr Declan Bree welcomed the Report from the Senior Executive Engineer and noted there had been consultation with stakeholders.