Official Statement from Derek O'Keefe

[Rat Catcher]

aka Taxi Drivers Ireland ( https://www.corkairporttransfer.ie/ )

Issued Sunday 16 Nov 18:01

Official Statement from the Taxi Drivers of Ireland

Since the introduction of fixed-fare charges by Uber in Ireland, it has become clear that taxi drivers across the country are experiencing significant anger, frustration, and disappointment. We have voiced these concerns directly to Uber and outlined the actions we were prepared to take in response.

We informed Uber that, without meaningful engagement, we would initiate a boycott from 6 p.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Sunday. We further stated that a continued lack of communication would result in the permanent deletion of the Uber app by taxi drivers throughout Ireland.

Despite these warnings, Uber has chosen to disregard the concerns, fears, and insecurities felt by drivers during this challenging time. Their failure to respond has left us with no choice. Therefore, we now collectively agree that the Uber app must be permanently removed.

As of 12 p.m. tomorrow (Monday), we respectfully request that all taxi drivers in Ireland permanently delete the Uber app.
This decision is not temporary. It represents a long-term, complete withdrawal from the platform.

In addition, we are proposing a slow “drive” protest this coming Saturday at 12 p.m. outside Leinster House in Dublin. This will be a peaceful and organised demonstration intended to highlight to the Irish Government our deep dissatisfaction with how Uber operates in this country, and to request their intervention in seeking Uber’s removal from the Irish market as soon as possible.

We are asking all taxi drivers around Ireland—from Cork to Galway, and from Kilkenny to Limerick, and every place in between—to make your way to Dublin and stand together in solidarity with colleagues from across the country.

We are giving TDs and government officials until close of business on Monday, 24th November to respond. After this deadline, we will begin staggered, ongoing protests across Ireland, and we will continue these actions until Uber is fully removed from the country.

We are no longer negotiating. We are now demanding the removal of Uber from Ireland and the revocation of the operator licence granted by the NTA.

Thank you.

[Rat Catcher]

To be honest I thought that might be a wind up but I see it reported elsewhere in the media now hence the late post.

IMO a 48 hour weekend stoppage was OTT in the first place but I can only describe the nonsense in this statement as vexatious, irrational, disproportionate and inconsistent in the extreme.

In fact, it was finding this in my inbox that prompted me to research Mr. O'Keefe. He's not an idiot. As the owner of a discount taxi firm himself he well knows that Uber can't and won't negotiate with him or any group he controls. If negotiation was his objective he would have put a taxi driver in the PR role and financed the campaign from the background. It's now blatantly obvious that this was always about manipulating taxi drivers into supporting his quest to remove Uber from Cork because it's subsidising Limousine fares is detrimental to his trade as a Limousine driver and Uber's fixed fares are currently likely to be more attractive to drivers than the fares he pays his drivers hence his discount taxi dispatch firm is also affected.

It's a shame that many genuine taxi drivers will have had the wool pulled over their eyes. As a group Taxi Drivers Ireland can never recover from the damage he has inflicted on it from the outset. If/when he's ousted as supremo no organisation is going to think anything other than that he is the organ grinder.

[mercenary for hire]

Lenster house is closed on Saturday.Nobody will be there to notice them.

[silverbullet]

Meet Derek O’Keeffe: The Heart of Cork and Love Ireland!

[silverbullet]

Meet Derek O’Keeffe: The Heart of Cork and Love Ireland!

https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g186600-d25345172-Reviews-Private_Tours_Cork_Ireland-Cork_County_Cork.html

Who is Derek? He’s not just an admin of the Love Ireland community—he’s a living, breathing love letter to Ireland. Born and raised in Cork City, Derek’s passion for sharing Ireland’s magic shines in everything he does, from running the highest-rated Derek O'Keeffe Private Tours Cork to nurturing this amazing community.
- Why You’ll Love Derek:
He knows Cork like the back of his hand, from iconic sites like Blarney Castle to the gourmet streets of Kinsale and secret gems only a true local would know.
He’s built friendships with Cork legends—from the folks at Jameson Whiskey to the stewards of Elizabeth Fort—bringing you a one-of-a-kind experience.
His private tours don’t just visit places; they bring stories to life, making every landmark unforgettable.

Derek’s Mission:
"Ireland isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. Through Love Ireland and my tours, I want everyone to feel the magic of this country, its history, and its people."
✨ Join Derek on a journey through Cork, explore the hidden treasures of Ireland, and experience the love he brings to everything he does. Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of Ireland, Derek is your guide to the beauty, culture, and heart of this amazing country.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoveIrelandGroup/posts/1856211001582722/

Derek looks a bit manic TBH.

[silverbullet]

Meet Derek O’Keeffe: The Heart of Cork and Love Ireland!

https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g186600-d25345172-Reviews-Private_Tours_Cork_Ireland-Cork_County_Cork.html

Who is Derek? He’s not just an admin of the Love Ireland community—he’s a living, breathing love letter to Ireland. Born and raised in Cork City, Derek’s passion for sharing Ireland’s magic shines in everything he does, from running the highest-rated Derek O'Keeffe Private Tours Cork to nurturing this amazing community.
- Why You’ll Love Derek:
He knows Cork like the back of his hand, from iconic sites like Blarney Castle to the gourmet streets of Kinsale and secret gems only a true local would know.
He’s built friendships with Cork legends—from the folks at Jameson Whiskey to the stewards of Elizabeth Fort—bringing you a one-of-a-kind experience.
His private tours don’t just visit places; they bring stories to life, making every landmark unforgettable.

Derek’s Mission:
"Ireland isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. Through Love Ireland and my tours, I want everyone to feel the magic of this country, its history, and its people."
✨ Join Derek on a journey through Cork, explore the hidden treasures of Ireland, and experience the love he brings to everything he does. Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of Ireland, Derek is your guide to the beauty, culture, and heart of this amazing country.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoveIrelandGroup/posts/1856211001582722/

Derek looks a bit manic TBH.

https://www.evergreenprivatetours.ie/about-us

[silverbullet]

aka Taxi Drivers Ireland ( https://www.corkairporttransfer.ie/ )

Issued Sunday 16 Nov 18:01

Official Statement from the Taxi Drivers of Ireland

Since the introduction of fixed-fare charges by Uber in Ireland, it has become clear that taxi drivers across the country are experiencing significant anger, frustration, and disappointment. We have voiced these concerns directly to Uber and outlined the actions we were prepared to take in response.

We informed Uber that, without meaningful engagement, we would initiate a boycott from 6 p.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Sunday. We further stated that a continued lack of communication would result in the permanent deletion of the Uber app by taxi drivers throughout Ireland.

Despite these warnings, Uber has chosen to disregard the concerns, fears, and insecurities felt by drivers during this challenging time. Their failure to respond has left us with no choice. Therefore, we now collectively agree that the Uber app must be permanently removed.

As of 12 p.m. tomorrow (Monday), we respectfully request that all taxi drivers in Ireland permanently delete the Uber app.
This decision is not temporary. It represents a long-term, complete withdrawal from the platform.

In addition, we are proposing a slow “drive” protest this coming Saturday at 12 p.m. outside Leinster House in Dublin. This will be a peaceful and organised demonstration intended to highlight to the Irish Government our deep dissatisfaction with how Uber operates in this country, and to request their intervention in seeking Uber’s removal from the Irish market as soon as possible.

We are asking all taxi drivers around Ireland—from Cork to Galway, and from Kilkenny to Limerick, and every place in between—to make your way to Dublin and stand together in solidarity with colleagues from across the country.

We are giving TDs and government officials until close of business on Monday, 24th November to respond. After this deadline, we will begin staggered, ongoing protests across Ireland, and we will continue these actions until Uber is fully removed from the country.

We are no longer negotiating. We are now demanding the removal of Uber from Ireland and the revocation of the operator licence granted by the NTA.

Thank you.

€5,416 per tour? Roy must be pissing himself!
https://powertraveller.com/private-chauffeur-tour-of-blarney-castle-kinsale-and-cork/?srsltid=AfmBOoqph2n2uiDATD5gHq7X-QTBDn0l7d333zDuZkk6YNaF8G20qy_i#Pricing_and_Booking

[Rat Catcher]

Lenster house is closed on Saturday.Nobody will be there to notice them.

Indeed but maybe he doesn't work weekends?

It's a poor choice IMO. I'd say he'll be lucky to get 1,000 drivers of a Saturday. I'm not sure he'll get too much out of drivers who are whinging about knocking 31c off a €54 fare anyway but even at €50/head - throw a barrister a monkey to advise against a judicial review in the fullness of time - and Del bey could still have himself a nice little earner.

Don't wanna give too many secrets of past disputes away but Tuesday is always a good day for a protest. Even drivers who don't support the aims/methodologies tend to just say fuck it I'll take the day off so it looks like you've got way more support than you have.

[Bob Shillin]

I'm not working next Saturday, so yes a withdrawal would suit me grand, and ongoing I could keep the organisers advised about my future days off. Apologies for my flippancy, but I've lost my mojo for the "trade".

[Rat Catcher]

I'm off for the darts this weekend so I'll support any withdrawal of service from 00:01 Fri to 11:00 Mon.

Hope that helps.