Taxi drivers have been urged to be extra vigilant in Blanchardstown after a spate of vicious attacks on cabbies in the Dublin 15 area.
Taxi drivers are reported to have been
“slashed and robbed
? at almost the same location over the last three weeks.
The attacks prompted a voluntary group representing drivers – Tiománaà Taxi na hÃ?ireann (TTnH) – to issue a warning to drivers to be on high alert.
The incidents are all believed to have occurred at the pedestrian lights at the junction of Ongar Road and Stonebridge Road in Blanchardstown.
According to a text circulated by the TTnH over the recent Bank Holiday Weekend:
“The incidents have involved drivers being slashed and robbed and we would ask all drivers to take care when operating in this area.
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Cllr David McGuinness (FF) said he was
“deeply shocked
? that taxi drivers have been injured in Blanchardstown while trying to make a living.
“I fully support and share the concern of TTnH for their members who provide a valued service to Dublin residents,
? he stated.
“No industry should face the prospect of having their face or body slashed in the course of their duties.
“These incidents are very serious and have seen an unprecedented response from taxi driver representatives in warning their colleagues of the dangers associated with a section of a road in Dublin 15.
“Taxi drivers belong to families as fathers, mothers or children. Their families expect their return after a day or night’s work. This situation is simply unacceptable and public support is necessary to have this situation dealt with.
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Speaking to Northside People, John Usher, president of the Irish Taxi Drivers’ Federation, said there is a worrying increase in the number of attacks on taxi drivers.
“I am aware of the dreadful attacks in Blanchardstown but unfortunately attacks on drivers are not confined to just one area,
? he explained.
“There is probably an incident or an attack on a taxi driver in the capital at least once a day. Attackers are using anything from needles to knives, and in some cases hatchets and hammers, to threaten and injure drivers.
“I imagine the situation is as a result of a combination of things such as money being hard to come by and criminals seeing taxi drivers as easy targets.
“However, because of the economic climate drivers aren’t carrying that much money anymore because they don’t have it. So it’s a lose, lose situation for everyone.
“It’s frightening for taxi drivers because they don’t know whether they’ve got a barrister or a gangster in the seat behind them and they’re completely on their own should anything happen.
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According to Mr Usher, the Irish Taxi Drivers’ Federation highly recommends that taxi drivers fit CCTV to the interior of their vehicles. The federation is also investigating the viability and effectiveness of a silent alarm system that will signal to other drivers when a cabbie is in a dangerous situation.
It’s been reported that some taxi drivers have now taken to carrying their own weapons for protection.
However, this is not something the federation would encourage or is in favour of.
“In my 45 years’ experience in the industry I have never withdrawn my services from a certain area,
? he told Northside People.
“The majority of people in Blanchardstown are taxi clients. They are our bread and butter so I don’t see why we should penalise them for the acts of a handful of violent criminals.
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