TAXI DRIVERS are threatening to cause a second day of serious traffic disruption in Dublin city centre today in protest at what they say are worsening conditions in the industry.
Gardaí last night warned motorists to expect delays as the drivers vowed to resume a blockade of O’Connell Street at 7am.
The street was closed to traffic for several hours yesterday as more than 150 taxis from around the country parked along both sides of the thoroughfare.
About 100 taxi drivers also held an impromptu march that blocked Dublin’s north and south quays during rush hour.
The demonstration was organised by the Irish Taxi Council to highlight what it says is a lack of regulation in the sector.
The council claims drivers are facing problems with illegal operators, increased supply and fraudulent access to the industry.
Members of the group converged in Naas, Co Kildare, at 6am yesterday before driving in convoy towards Dublin.
During the rush-hour march some protesters tried to block a taxi carrying a passenger by lying on the bonnet and banging on the windscreen. Protesters also shouted abuse at other drivers who were seen working.
The organisers said they had stopped trouble by some people during the march and did not want the council to be associated with such behaviour.
At about 6pm taxi drivers were in verbal confrontation with gardaí at O’Connell bridge as they blocked traffic on the north quays from crossing the junction for over half an hour.
Gardaí on the scene explained to protesters that they had closed off O’Connell Street, but could not be allowed to block the whole city.
O’Connell Street was reopened to traffic at about 8pm as drivers said they did not want the public to suffer too much and wanted to allow people to get home.
Last night dozens of drivers continued their protest on O’Connell Street and vowed do so until they met Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey. They plan to hold a nationwide strike next week.
Yesterday afternoon a small group from the taxi council had called to the Department of Transport to try and meet Mr Dempsey. Socialist MEP Joe Higgins called on Mr Dempsey to meet the council.
Frank Byrne, president of the taxi council, said yesterday’s protest was also sparked off by the announcement that some taxi drivers had taken their own lives.
“Drivers are very depressed at the moment, and sitting at a rank for hours on end doesn’t help matters.” He said drivers from outside Dublin were earning just €350 a week before tax, with most unable to get a loan.
Niall Moore, a taxi driver who travelled from Athlone to attend yesterday’s demonstration, said drivers’ income was down by 70 per cent as a result of supply outstripping demand.
The Commission for Taxi Regulation yesterday confirmed that it had received advice from the Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation on a number of proposed reforms for the industry.
A spokeswoman for the department said there were discussions in recent weeks between department officials and the taxi council on new developments in the sector.
But specifics on the next phase of reform were a matter for the taxi regulator.
Meanwhile, gardaí have also warned of traffic disruption in the Dublin Port area from 3.30pm today, as a protest is planned in support of striking workers.