Taxi drivers in Ireland are gearing up for a six-day protest, set to commence next week. This move comes as a response to the government's inaction on addressing the challenges faced by the regulated taxi industry. The protest, organized by Taxi Drivers Ireland, will take place from Monday, December 8th, to Saturday, December 13th, 2025.
The protest's impact will be felt across Dublin, with taxi drivers planning a series of actions. On the 8th, 10th, and 12th of December, drivers will form a convoy, starting from Mountjoy Square and ending at Merrion Square, operating from 7 AM to 5 PM. Additionally, on the 9th and 11th, taxi drivers will gather at holding areas and access points outside Dublin Airport, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The climax of the protest will occur on the 13th, with a rolling convoy entering Dublin city center, including Dame Street, as part of a 'slow rolling protest' from 4 PM to 6 PM.
Derek O'Keeffe, the national spokesperson for Taxi Drivers Ireland, emphasized the frustration and desperation of the taxi drivers. He stated, 'We are watching a regulated profession being dismantled in real time. This is the consequence of working people being silenced. We are not acting impulsively; we are being forced into this action.'
The protest is a reaction to the government's failure to update industry regulations, which taxi drivers argue have not kept pace with the rise of app-based dispatchers. O'Keeffe accused the government of choosing silence over responsibility, highlighting their previous attempts to engage in peaceful protests and appeals for a hearing without any resolution.
Despite the inconvenience, the organization has apologized to the public for any disruption caused. O'Keeffe expressed their desire to work but emphasized their determination to protect their livelihoods, stating, 'We do not want protests; we want to work. But we will not quietly accept the destruction of our livelihoods.'
This protest marks a significant escalation in the taxi drivers' efforts to have their voices heard and to secure a future for the regulated taxi industry in Ireland.
