09/02/2009

Taxi Take To Dublin's Streets

A mass protest has seen over 1,000 taxi drivers protest on Dublin's streets.

The march in Dublin today has come after their latest protest over the number of taxi licences being issued in the city.

Drivers marched from Parnell Square to Leinster House, delivering letters of complaint to the offices of the Taxi Regulator and the Minister for Transport.

Taxi Branch Organiser Jerry Brennan said: "We are protesting today because, unlike virtually every other group in the workforce, Taxi Drivers have no right of appeal from decisions by the Regulator under the Taxi Regulation Act of 2003."

The drivers have staged protests on several occasions in recent weeks, and are also planning to gather at the main roundabout near the airport between 11.00am and 2.00pm.

A spokesman said the protest is part of a campaign for an appeals system against decisions of the Taxi Regulator. But driver also feel the deregulation of licensing in 2000 has led to an a situation where their market is flooded, and taxis are finding it increasingly difficult to find work.

Last week drivers being represented by the Union SIPTU handed in a letter to Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey’s office detailing their aggravation.

(DW/BMcC)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 November 2011
Kenny Calls Taxi Driver Attack 'Deplorable'
The Dublin North East Labour TD has joined with the Irish Taxi Federation in deploring the death of Moses Ayanwole, who was assaulted on Wednesday.
01 October 2009
Taxi Drivers March On Transport Department
A group representing Ireland's private taxi drivers is to stage a protest in Dublin today, it has been revealed. An Garda Siochana said they understood a protest would take place by the group who are calling themselves “The Irish Taxi Council” this afternoon. According to Irishtaxi.
11 February 2009
Bus Drivers Stage Protest Outside Transport offices
Dublin Bus drivers have launched a new protest outside the offices of the Department of Transport this morning. The demonstration is part of a campaign against the company's decision last week to axe 290 jobs and remove 120 buses from service.
05 March 2009
Taxi Drivers In Dublin City Protest
Taxi drivers will be taking to the streets again in another high profile protest in Dublin city centre this afternoon. It is the fifth protest by taxi drivers this year alone, and the protest has been scheduled for today at noon, with drivers meeting at various assembly points before a rally outside Government buildings.
23 July 2013
More Inspectors To Clamp Down On Rogue Taxi Drivers
A major new initiative has been launched to tackle rogue taxi drivers, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has announced. The NTA say they will double the number of inspectors, whose job it is to check each taxi driver is fully licensed, tax-compliant and complies fully with rules on vehicle standards.