Anti-immigration activist Niall McConnell faces court date over unlicensed taxi

Anti-immigration activist Niall McConnell is due to appear in court later this year accused of operating an unlicensed taxi in Donegal. 

The Castlefin man faces a charge contrary to the Taxi Regulations Act.

The case was mentioned briefly at Donegal District Court, sitting at Ballyshannon courthouse. 

Solicitor Mr Jason Teahan, on behalf of the National Transport Authority who are prosecuting the case, said the matter was in for mention and that disclosure has been provided.

McConnell, of Magherycallaghan, Castlefin, is accused of an offence on June 18, 2025 at Killybegs Harbour, Killybegs.

The charge is that he drove a mechanically propelled vehicle for the carriage of persons for reward, such vehicle not being a small public service vehicle licensed under licensing regulations.

That is contrary to section 22 (2) (a) (i) of the 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.

The court was informed that McConnell, who was not present in court, is represented by Ms Jacqueline Sharkey of O’Donnell & Sweeney Solicitors. 

Barrister Mr Alexander Smyth BL asked for an adjournment in the case as Ms Sharkey was not present.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham adjourned the case until April and marked it peremptory in terms of the attitude of the accused.

McConnell, the leader of Síol na hÉireann - which says it is a “pro-Life Nationalist party” -  stood as an independent candidate in the last two General Elections.

In 2020, he took 580 first preference votes and was eliminated on the third count while he earned 1,565 first preferences in 2024 and was eliminated on the 10th count.

McConnell also took 880 first preferences when he stood in the Lifford-Stranorlar local electoral area in the 2024 Local Election, when he was eliminated on the fifth count.