Tour operator in court over taxi regulations breach in Donegal

A Galway tour operator has been fined for a breach of taxi regulations in Donegal.

Conleth Dooley appeared before Donegal District Court, where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

An inspector from the National Transport Authority told the court that he was on duty with a colleague on August 7, 2025 at The Diamond, Donegal Town.

Their attention was drawn to a motor vehicle parked at the Abbey Hotel. 

There was no driver assigned to the vehicle, which showed up on their system as being a small public service vehicle.

“There was no driver associated, which is required for the vehicle to be used,” the inspector said.

A fixed penalty notice was issued for €200, which was due to be paid within 28 days. After that period, the fine was unpaid and it increased by 50%.

“If the vehicle is being used, there is supposed to be a driver associated,” the inspector explained. “This is to inform the NTA that the vehicle is being used - and being used by a licensed driver.

Dooley, of Ballinahalla, Moycullen, Co Galway, was charged that he operated a mechanically propelled vehicle as a small public service vehicle without notifying the Authority of the proposed driving of such vehicle.

The charge is contrary to regulations 51 (1) and 64 of the Taxi Regulations (Small PSV) Regulations 2015 and that he thereby did commit an offence under section 20 (4) (b) of the Taxi Regulations Act, 2013.

Dooley, who represented himself in court, told Judge Éiteáin Cunningham that this was “an overlook”.

“I admit that I was wrong,” said Dooley. “I have six vehicles on the road. There was a breakdown in Donegal and this was the oldest vehicle in the yard. It was an overlook, completely.”

Solicitor for the NTA, Mr Jason Teahan, said the Authority was seeking costs to be awarded.

Judge Cunningham convicted Dooley and fined him €150, allowing four months to pay. Dooley was also ordered to pay €300 in costs.