Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers have threatened to bring Dublin city to a standstill next week in an escalation of protest action, which has been taking place for several weeks now.

Leaders from the Taxi Drivers For Change group said cars will be used in a demonstration to take place in the city centre.

Today, almost 700 taxi drivers and their supporters marched in Dublin.

AdvertisementMarchers walked from Parnell Square to Kildare Street.


The group has given more than 1,500 letters of protest to the Minister for Transport this afternoon.

The group criticised unions representing taxi drivers for failing to fully back their action, it said the unions are sitting on the fence on the issue.

Taxi drivers claim that since the deregulation of licensing in 2000 the number of taxis in Dublin has risen from 2,000 to 25,000.

They say too many taxis are currently operating and as a result it is impossible for drivers to make a living.

Taxi Drivers For Change public relations officer Jim Waldron said drivers had no option but to take the action to protect their livelihoods.

The full details of next week's action has not been decided.