By Dermot Keys
dermot@letterkennypost.com

The situation facing many taxi drivers trying to earn a living in Letterkenny is “critical,” according to the Secretary of the Letterkenny Taxi Owners’ Association.
“I don’t think people in general realise how bad it is,” said Padraig Keogh.
“It’s quite critical. There are some taxi drivers who don’t even gross the minimum wage never mind earn the minimum wage. That’s something that shouldn’t have been allowed to happen.”
There were national protests by taxi unions earlier in the week, calling for a reduction in the number of plates being issued by the taxi regulator, Kathleen Doyle. With increased number of taxis on the road, drivers have to work longer hours and earn less in order to compete. The increase in part-time drivers is also an issue.
“It’s an issue that’s affecting taxi drivers all over the country,” said Mr Keogh.
“Taxi driver incomes are being diluted by the amount of taxi drivers being brought on. The increase in the number of plates being issued in Letterkenny in the last 18 months is staggering. There isn’t any great amount of work but there are just too many people there to provide the service. The whole cost of living is rising but our incomes are going down.”
Mr Keogh believes that the only solution to the problem is a three year moratorium on the issue of plates, before a review is even considered.
He made a representation to the Minister for Justice a number of years ago, asking that taxis in the town be capped at 120. With over 200 taxis now operating in the town, the number of taxi drivers has ballooned in the recent times.
“Some people would still say that people can’t get a taxi on Saturday night. Woe betide taxi drivers if the people were able to walk straight out of a nightclub and get into a taxi right away.”
He pointed out that no amount of taxis would be able to cater for the huge numbers of people emerging simultaneously onto the street on a Saturday night.
He added that drivers were used to spending long periods of time in taxi ranks waiting to pick up a mid-week fare.