Taxi unions to meet regulator

The leaders of the three main taxi-driver unions are due to meet the Taxi Regulator today in another effort to resolve the row over new fare structures.

Hundreds of taxi drivers, most of them based in Dublin, have already held a number of work stoppages in recent weeks to protest at the reforms.

They were widely criticised last week for blocking O'Connell Street in Dublin city centre when the regulator, Ger Deering, refused to renegotiate the new fares.

The drivers have also threatened to disrupt this week's Ryder Cup if their concerns are not addressed.

Mr Deering's reforms, which are due to come into force on September 25, will abolish luggage charges and the special fee of €1.50 for pick-ups at Dublin Airport.