People Before Profit Support Call Of Taxi Drivers For Financial Support As Thousands Join Drive Protest

Richard Boyd Barrett TD to address taxi protest this afternoon

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett has called on the government to provide a financial package of support for taxi drivers who have seen their livelihoods and incomes decimated over the course of the pandemic.

Deputy Boyd Barrett made his call on the day that thousands of taxi drivers are holding a drive protest to Government Buildings.

Deputy Boyd Barrett will be addressing the taxi drivers when they arrive at Merrion Square.

Speaking ahead of the demonstration, he said: “Taxi drivers have seen their incomes decimated over the last year and a half, but they have still had to cover ongoing costs of insurance, car refurbishments, maintenance- costs that add up to thousands every year.

“Many are faced with a financial cliff as they are required to replace their vehicles when they are ten years old.

“The government are well aware of the taxi drivers demands but have offered them nothing.

“I have raised their plight repeatedly in the Dáil and this is the second major protest in 6 months. The government must come up with a decent package of support for 24,000 taxi drivers whose industry has been crushed by the pandemic.”