Govt warns taxi drivers against further strikes

The Government has warned taxi drivers that it will cancel a planned meeting with their representatives later this week if they press ahead with plans for further strike action this Thursday.

Minister for Transport Martin Cullen agreed to meet the taxi unions at short notice yesterday after a protest by drivers caused major disruption in Dublin city centre.

Another 24-hour stoppage is planned for Thursday, but the Department of Transport has now informed the drivers that it will not meet them under threat of further disruption.

The protesting drivers are angry at a new national fare structure being introduced by the Taxi Regulator.

The reforms will lead to the abolition of luggage charges and the special fee for picking up passengers at Dublin Airport.