LAST UPDATE | 27 Nov 2025

TAXI DRIVERS IN Dublin staged a protest against Uber’s new fixed rates this evening, creating major traffic delays in the city centre.

The go-slow protest began at 4:30pm today and was set to last until 6:30pm.

The taxi drivers who use the Uber app have chosen to escalate their campaign against the company’s new fixed-fare model after their union said no stakeholder had responded to their ultimatum to engage in talks. 

Taxi drivers who do not use Uber did not part in the protest. 

Dublin Airport told passengers to expect heavier traffic than usual and gardaí warned of disruption in Dublin city. 

On social media, An Garda Síochána said people could expect delays in the vicinity of Dublin Airport as well as Conyngham Road to Merrion Street via the Northside city centre quays and Clontarf to Merrion Street via North Strand Road. 

The protesting drivers converged on Government Buildings in the city centre, where they blocked the road. 

Protesting taxi drivers outside Government Buildings in Dublin. RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

Organisers of the protest said this week that they “sincerely apologise” for the planned disruption but insisted the action is necessary as drivers face “severe, immediate and unsustainable” financial pressure.

Taxis blocking the road outside Government Buildings in Dublin. RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

The drivers have accused Uber of undermining the regulated taxi fare structure set by the National Transport Authority (NTA) with its new fixed rate system. 

Uber recently introduced the optional fixed-price model, guaranteeing passengers a maximum fare upfront instead of the usual estimated range that can rise with traffic or route changes.

The company says it will reduce “meter anxiety”, and passengers will still pay the lower amount if the meter comes in under the fixed price.

More than 6,000 drivers in Ireland currently use the Uber app.

Taxi drivers claim the model amounts to “predatory pricing” and leaves drivers earning less, particularly during traffic delays.

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien sent a letter to the NTA earlier this month asking for clarity on the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare. He also met with the Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) Advisory Committee this morning, where the matter was discussed “in detail”.

In a statement, an Uber spokesperson said:

“Riders are much more likely to book a trip if they know what the fare is going to be, creating more earning opportunities for drivers across Ireland. Before accepting a trip, drivers can see their estimated earnings and the route used to calculate this amount, which also includes factors like traffic and time of day.”

With reporting from Andrew Walsh