Taxi drivers to step up action
Angry taxi drivers have warned they plan to escalate industrial action over claims the Transport Minister is failing to help the industry
Thursday March 18 2010
Angry taxi drivers have warned they plan to escalate industrial action over claims the Transport Minister is failing to help the industry.
The Irish Taxi Council (ITC) said members who staged a nationwide three-hour stoppage will step up demonstrations on Monday.
Frank Byrne, ITC spokesman, said earlier drive-through protests in Dublin, Cork and Limerick were successful.
"There was a withdrawal of services in most, if not all, major cities and towns around the country," said Mr Byrne.
"But there will be an escalation from Monday.
"We are meeting representatives from the different groups before we decide how."
AA Roadwatch said while there were some delays during the protests there were no major problems caused.
The ITC - which was established last July and represents 27 separate associations - wants the full implementation of an 11-point plan recommended by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport last year.
It includes new legislation for a three-year moratorium on the issuing of taxi licences - with exceptions for wheelchair-accessible taxis - and the abolishment of renting or leasing licences.
Mr Byrne said the document has been ignored by Transport Minister Noel Dempsey.
