Dublin Taxi Drivers Launch Six-Day Protests, Urge Action Now

UPDATE: Dublin is bracing for major disruption next week as taxi drivers prepare for a series of intense protests over six consecutive days, starting from December 11, 2023. The go-slow demonstrations, aimed at the heart of the city during a peak shopping season, are expected to impact thousands of commuters and holiday shoppers.

The protests, organized by Taxi Drivers Ireland, will unfold during rush hour, with convoys moving from Mountjoy Square to Merrion Square at 7 AM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, halting traffic until 5 PM. On December 12 and 14, the focus shifts to Dublin Airport, targeting all holding areas and access points. A final protest is scheduled on December 16 between 4 PM and 6 PM, culminating in a rolling go-slow convoy into the city center.

Drivers are protesting against the introduction of fixed fare options by Uber, which they claim undermines their earnings and threatens the regulated taxi industry. “We have been pushed to breaking point,” said Derek O’Keeffe, a spokesperson for the organization. He emphasized that the government’s inaction has forced drivers to escalate their campaign, stating, “We are watching a regulated profession being dismantled in real time.”

The protests follow three previous demonstrations in recent weeks, illustrating growing frustration among the taxi community. O’Keeffe criticized the government for ignoring their concerns, saying, “After four weeks of warnings and protests, the Government has failed to take any meaningful action.”

Taxi drivers are determined to make their voices heard. “This is not a gesture. This is the full strength of the Irish taxi industry being brought to bear,” O’Keeffe declared. The protests are not just about immediate grievances; they represent a larger fight for the future of public transport in Ireland.

Drivers have expressed regret for the inevitable chaos these protests will cause but insist that the blame lies with the government. “We do not want protests. We want to work. But we will not quietly accept the destruction of our livelihoods,” O’Keeffe added.

As Dublin prepares for the anticipated disruption, officials and commuters alike are urged to plan alternative routes. The protests are a stark reminder of the tensions within the transport sector and the urgent need for dialogue and resolution.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.