Drivers protest over regulations
Taxi drivers have blocked a lane of O'Connell Street, Dublin
Taxi drivers have staged protests across the country over regulations they claim are crippling the industry.
Two members of the Irish Taxi Council (ITC) occupying the office of the Taxi Regulator since Monday evening have refused to move until a meeting is held with Transport Minister Noel Dempsey.
As word of their demonstration spread, up to 500 drivers based at Dublin Airport stopped taking fares in support, and cars on the capital's O'Connell Street blocked one lane.
It is understood taxi drivers as far as Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Kerry, Donegal, Sligo and Mayo are also staging protests.
Frank Byrne, ITC president, said a litany of problems have to be addressed by the Government. "Drivers and their families are suffering badly at a time when solutions can be put in place," said Mr Byrne. "We feel heartened with the support from around the country but we understand the frustration and worry of drivers."
The sit-in began after members of the council left a meeting with Taxi Regulator Kathleen Doyle on Monday afternoon.
Four people began the protest at the regulator's office in Fitzwilliam Square with two leaving late last night when one - a 71-year-old man - was taken away by ambulance after having a panic attack.
He has since rejoined city centre protesters.
John Usher, of the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation, warned the anger among young drivers is like a time bomb ready to explode.
He maintained several new rules are designed to hit drivers in the pockets - including an 8,000% hike in the price of a taxi driver licence, new annual tests on the suitability of a vehicle and a ban on any car over nine years old from carrying passengers.
