Only 28% of taxi drivers are willing to drive at peak hours in Dublin, according to a Fine Gael TD.
Over the weekend, night-goers were reportedly left waiting hours for taxis in the cold.
Neale Richmond, TD for Dublin Rathdown, says there's a serious problem with supply;
"I don't think anyone's 'having a go' at the taxi driver. I think we're all very grateful for the service they provide and we're happy to pay for it. But ultimately we don't have enough taxis in Dublin or across Ireland."
Deputy Richmond says increased public transport services will not solve the root problem - that Ireland has a shortage of taxi drivers.
He thinks the Covid-19 pandemic is partially to blame, with cabbies moving on or retiring and not being replaced.
The Fine Gael rep added that "we need to make it easier for them to pass on their plates".
"Over-reliance"
His comments come after the head of FreeNow Ireland said there's "an over-reliance" on taxis to get people home safely after nights out.
Niall Carson, general manager of the taxi-booking app, says our public transport infrastructure at peak night-time hours is not in line with our European counterparts.
He's advising people to plan your journey home before you go out, and don't leave it until after midnight.
The number of drivers in Ireland has dropped by 30 per cent in the last 10 years, with Mr. Carson anticipating the festive season to be "very challenging".
