Taxi unions to demand licence moratorium

TAXI unions will meet with Transport Minister Noel Dempsey this afternoon to demand he introduce an immediate moratorium on the issuing of new taxi licences in the industry.

The meeting follows yesterday’s publication of a report on behalf of the taxi regulator which found — contrary to claims by drivers — that the increase in new licenses issued has meant a better service to the public and has not impacted on the earnings of existing drivers.

As taxi drivers held another protest demanding a restriction on the issuing of licences to new drivers, the taxi regulator published the results of a review carried out by Goodbody economic consultants, which found there was no need for a moratorium.