Donegal pensioner (72) fined for operating an unauthorised taxi service
“He offered lifts to people more as a way of getting out of the house; He wasn’t doing it for financial gain” – defence solicitor
A Buncrana pensioner who accepted €5 for giving an undercover transport agent a lift in a private car has been fined and ordered to pay costs totalling €700 after admitting operating an unauthorised taxi service.
Patrick Quinn (72), of Meenagory, Buncrana, appeared before Buncrana District Court, where he pleaded guilty to two offences brought by the National Transport Authority relating to acting as an unlicensed taxi driver and using an unlicensed vehicle for public service transport.
The court heard that Mr Quinn, who had worked as a taxi driver for many years before retiring, was detected operating an illegal hackney service in Buncrana last year.
However, his solicitor argued that the pensioner was not engaged in a commercial venture but was instead providing occasional lifts as a way of meeting and talking to people.
The NTA, represented by solicitor Jason Teahan, called compliance officer Gerry Burke to give evidence.
Mr Burke told the court that on the night of Saturday, November 1, 2025, he observed Mr Quinn sitting in a parked vehicle on Main Street in Buncrana.
As Mr Quinn was known to him, the inspector checked the relevant database and found that the defendant did not hold a current Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence. He also discovered that the vehicle being used was not licensed for PSV purposes.
Mr Burke said his colleague, Officer Coyle, then approached the vehicle.
“I observed Mr Coyle get into the front passenger seat of the vehicle and proceed in the direction of the Inishowen Gateway Hotel,” he told the court.
The inspector followed the vehicle and later collected Officer Coyle after he had been dropped off at the hotel.
Mr Burke said he subsequently learned that Officer Coyle had been charged €5 for the journey.
The court heard that on November 29, 2025, NTA officers again encountered Mr Quinn in Buncrana. On that occasion, he was cautioned regarding the allegations of acting as an unlicensed taxi driver and operating an unlicensed vehicle.
Mr Burke said Mr Quinn was invited to take part in an interview but declined.
According to the inspector, Mr Quinn accepted that Officer Coyle had given him €5 following the journey but maintained that he had not quoted a fare or sought payment.
“However, Officer Coyle would say otherwise,” Mr Burke told the court.
Under cross-examination, Mr Burke agreed that Mr Quinn had previously been a licensed PSV driver and had spent many years working in the taxi trade before insurance issues forced him out of the business.
Defending solicitor Frank Aran Murphy said his client’s version of events differed from that of the NTA.
“My client’s position is that Mr Coyle approached him and asked if he was a taxi. Mr Quinn said no and explained that he was waiting on someone,” Mr Murphy told the court.
“He then agreed to give him a lift, but he didn’t charge him. He was simply offered the €5.”
Mr Murphy stressed that his client had no previous convictions and was not attempting to establish or run a taxi business.
The solicitor said Mr Quinn’s actions were motivated by social rather than financial reasons.
Mr Murphy said his client, now a retired pensioner, occasionally offered lifts to people as a means of getting out of the house and maintaining social contact.
“He offered lifts to people more as a way of getting out of the house, to meet people and talk to people,” Mr Murphy said.
“He wasn’t doing it for financial gain or as an enterprise. It was more as a therapeutic thing for him.”
The solicitor added that his client did not depend on the activity for income.
“He doesn’t rely on it. It was the social aspect. He doesn’t work anymore. He is retired,” Mr Murphy said.
Judge Emile Daly said she had considered all of the circumstances of the case, including Mr Quinn’s age, retirement status and previous good record.
Having heard the evidence and the mitigation advanced on his behalf, she imposed a fine of €300 and made an order for costs of €400.
The judge granted Mr Quinn six months to pay the total sum of €700.
Mr Murphy was granted legal aid in the matter.