Taxi drivers in new warning

Further protests may be staged by taxi drivers in their campaign opposing changes to the industry.

This follows the withdrawal of some taxi services in various parts of the State on Saturday night.

The Irish Taxi Drivers' Federation said the areas affected were Dublin and Cork airports, as well as Cork city, Tralee and Dungarvan.

It seemed that only a small number of taxi drivers took part in the Cork protest and late night revellers appeared to have no difficulty getting taxis.

The federation is opposed to the introduction by the taxi regulator of a national fare structure and a new vehicle licensing system.

Defending the proposals, a spokesman for the taxi regulator claimed that a meter system was required because taxi drivers in Cork had been able to charge what they liked from locations like the airport.

"If they are concerned that the customer will lose out, they can charge less than what the meter reads. However, they cannot charge more," he added.

Derry Coughlan, spokesman for taxi drivers in Cork, claimed that the regulator was discriminating against customers and drivers. "I will lose my business," he added.