The Minister for Tourism John O'Donoghue tonight appealed for businesses to use common sense when charging visitors during Ryder Cup week.
As taxi bosses warned of massive disruption from strikes at the prestigious golf tournament, the Minister urged traders to exercise restraint.
He said short-term financial gains should not be allowed to mar Ireland's week in the spotlight.
The Minister's warning came after US Ambassador James Kenny said any attempts to rip-off US golf fans coming here for the Ryder Cup will cause long-term damage to tourism. "I support the recent calls by the Irish Hotels Federation, the American Ambassador and others for the exercise of restraint in pricing over this period," the Minister said.
"Short-term gain should not mar this opportunity for Ireland to shine both to visitors and viewers from around the world." Mr O'Donoghue made his call following two disputes involving the Ryder Cup.
A pay demand from greenkeepers was eventually met by K Club management after a long-running row. They got a 50 per cent salary increase. But taxi bosses have refused to budge on demands for changes to fare structures to be put on ice.
They called on regulator Ger Deering to address a meeting of drivers to convince them the system is reasonable. But if he turns down the offer, or fails to persuade them, around 10,000 taxi men and women may boycott the prestigious golf tournament causing transport chaos.
The three unions representing drivers, the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation, the National Taxi Drivers Union and Siptu, devised the plan at a meeting in Dublin today.
John Usher, head of the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation, warned a strike was still on the cards. "He's well able to speak and if he can convince our drivers that it is the right route to take then there will be no course but to take it," he said.
"But if he turns down our invitation then I don't think there is any alternative but to review our options. The mood today is that we carry on taking action, and that is stoppages with particular attention to the Ryder Cup."
A spokesman for the regulator said: "Any such proposal would be considered however at this time no formal request has been received." Between them the three unions represent 14,000 of the state's 17,000 taxi drivers, but it is understood only 10,000 are willing to strike.
The regulator's new fare system, due to come into effect on Ryder Cup week, resulted in one-day stoppages in June and July. The changes include a new national fare structure, with minimum charges set at €3.80 , or €4.10 at premium times, replacing the system where fares were set by individual local authorities.
It also sees the abolition of luggage charges and a €1.50 hiring charge for pick-ups from Dublin airport. But Mr O'Donoghue said he would meet with taxi drivers to discuss their fears over the new fares but warned it was not his place to interfere in industrial relations disputes.
"But I will say this," he said. "They know and I know and everybody else knows that the Ryder Cup is of crucial importance not just in the short term economy of this country but the long term and the prospect of us deriving substantial benefit."
PA