Dublin taxi protest to spark traffic gridlock

Motorists in Dublin are expected to face traffic chaos today as thousands of taxi drivers mount two separate protests.

Sitpu trade union said its members will stage a four-hour picket at Dublin Airport from 7am.

Elsewhere drivers connected from the non-union lobby group, Taxi Drivers for Change, will travel in convoy from Liffey Valley Shopping Centre and Airside Retail Park in to the city centre from 8am.

Taxi drivers claim the recent economic review of the industry by Goodbody consultants - that rejected calls to cap the issuing of new licences - has led to an escalation of action.

It also found while drivers were working longer hours and earning less money, the current regulatory structure should remain in place.

Jerry Brennan, of Siptu's taxi drivers' branch, said the report has no credibility in the industry and that another nationwide consultation with parties could take up to four months.

"This would take us well into the busiest season of the year," said Mr Brennan.

Frank Byrne, of Taxi Drivers for Change, said its convoy of vehicles will arrive at Fitzwilliam Square office of the Taxi Regulator, Kathleen Doyle, to coincide with representatives from Goodbody attending the Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation (Advisory Council).

However, he vowed drivers would finish the protest as early as possible to assist in the Irish Cancer Society's national fundraiser Daffodil Day.