Driver in court charged with operating unlicenced Galway taxi
Judge Lydon also told Kouam he should speak to a solicitor in order to 'protect his interest' ahead of his next appearance
A 47-year-old man accused of operating an unlicenced taxi in Eyre Square has been urged by a District Court Judge to seek legal advice ahead of his next court appearance.
Sylvain Yagang Kouam, with an address at Eagle Rock Apartments, Baile Na hAbhann, Na Forbacha, appeared before Galway District Court this week, on foot of two summonses which were issued by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The court hearing was told that it would be alleged that, on January 30, 2026 at Eyre Square, Mr Kouam used a mechanically propelled vehicle for the carriage of persons for hire, such vehicle not being a small Public Service Vehicle under licensing regulations contrary to Section 22 of Taxi Regulations Acts 2013 and 2016 and that he did thereby commit an offence under Section 22 (4) of the Taxi Regulations Acts 2013 and 2016.
A second summons alleges that on the same date and at the same location, the accused displayed a taxi sign and identification issued in accordance with the small Public Service Vehicle regulations while said vehicle was not licensed as a taxi.
This is contrary to Section 26 (3) of the Taxi Regulations Act 2013 and an offence under Section 26 (4) of the Taxi Regulations Act 2013.
Solicitor for the National Transport Authority, Jason Teahan, confirmed to the court that the alleged offences each carry maximum fines of €5,000 on conviction.
Mr Kouam, who represented himself for the brief hearing, said he had not received any prior notice ahead of being summonsed to court.
Mr Teahan told the court the these offences do not carry a fixed charge notice and instead a summons is immediately issued, such is the seriousness of the offence.
The accused then attempted to address the court, but Judge Fiona Lydon asked him not to speak about the alleged facts so as not to prejudice the ultimately outcome of his case going forward.
Judge Lydon also told Kouam he should speak to a solicitor in order to 'protect his interest' ahead of his next appearance.
Mr Teahan said full disclosure would be supplied before the next court date, and Judge Lydon adjourned the case, with Mr Kouam set to appear again at the ordinary District Court sitting on October 6.
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