More and more we hear from taxi drivers around the UK complaining about a lack of rank space, compared with the number of cabs. Now it seems that Ireland had exactly the same problems, as Dublin taxi drivers have staged a protest in response to major disruption to business at the city’s main taxi ranks.
Local taxi drivers were left infuruated by a decision to close four of the city’s main taxi ranks during the construction of the new, 5.6km Luas Cross City tram line, from St. Stephen’s Green to Broombridge.
Over 300 of the city’s cabbies turned up at Dáil Éireann to stage a protest which brought the streets of Dublin to a standstill.
Rank Shutdown
Dublin City Council recently announced plans to close the taxi ranks located at Stephen’s Green, Dawson Street, Grafton Street and O’Connell Street. Local taxi trade representatives claim the move was never discussed with them.
Dublin taxi driver of 23 years, Paul Higginbotham, said: “I’m not against the new Luas line but they should consult us, they never talk to taxi drivers before they make decisions.”
Re-location
The council has plans to re-locate the ranks to sites such as Marlborough Street but this proposal has been condemned by frustrated taxi drivers.
Gerry Brennan, from Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union’s (SIPTU), Dublin Taxi Drivers’ Branch, said: ”Drivers are an afterthought in the overall plans.
“The level of dissatisfaction among taxi drivers is quite high. The ranks have been moved from prominent positions to side streets and individual car spaces have been lost.
“This is at a time when there is already insufficient room for the number of taxi licenses that are issued.
“The presence of taxis on O’Connell Street will be greatly diminished – drivers are definitely losing out to the Luas project.”
At the moment, there are a total of 537 taxi licences in the city – but only space to accommodate 110 taxis at any one time. The tram works changes mean cutting this by a further 57 spaces.
National Private Hire & Taxi Association member, Jim Waldron, commented: “We’re going to lose 57 taxi spots around the city because of the Luas construction.
“The alternative locations suggested by the council aren’t busy thoroughfares – there just aren’t enough people looking for taxis there.”