Taxi unions to consider further disruption in licences protest

THE four main taxi unions meet this morning to review the impact of their protests at the continued refusal by the Government to implement a moratorium on taxi licences.

It is likely the unions, SIPTU, the National Taxi Drivers Union, Taxi Drivers for Change and the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation, will recommence a series of marches and stoppages in locations across the country over the coming days and weeks.

The unions met Transport Minister Noel Dempsey yesterday afternoon in light of a Goodbody report commissioned by the Taxi Regulator which found there was no need to cap licences as the increased number of taxis on the streets meant a better service for passengers. During the meeting the minister was asked by the unions to introduce a cap but he refused, telling them the best way to proceed was through the advisory council to the Taxi Regulator.