Maybe you found one easily enough the last time. Or maybe you've never been, but you expect a line of cabs to be waiting outside the airport of any major city and Dublin's a capital of a country, isn't it.
The cab drivers are up in arms because several of their waiting spots were taken away, to be used for some other purpose as determined by the airport authority.
They want those spaces back, because when they're waiting to queue up for the paying customers, they need a place to go that won't get them a parking ticket from the gardai wandering about.
Ferrying tourists is big business, especially these days when there's not much business to be had. By eliminating seventy spots for the 1,500 licensed taxis, the Dublin Airport Authority made it harder for those drivers to earn a living. And they don't appreciate it.
They have expressed their dissatisfaction by going out on strike.
Thirty spots were put back in service today, as a gesture to the strikers, along with a request that they come back to work. Travelers don't much like being surprised upon landing, particularly after an overseas trip, and to waltz out of the airport to find someone directing them on how to take a bus into the city center isn't very "cead mile failte" at all.
With six hundred spaces for waiting taxis, the Airport Authority didn't see that removing seventy slots would do much harm, but the taxi drivers who couldn't get into the overflow parking area ended up with parking tickets when they waited out on the road.
Not having a place to park did not deter them from trying to pick up a fare at the airport, where they knew they'd stand a good chance of getting some income for the day once they got to the head of the queue. Being all but barred from carrying on business did not sit well.
No one seems to know when the issue will be resolved, so you'd best be prepared.
If you're not keen on bus travel, you can rent a car. Just remember that the Irish drive on the left side of the road, and you'll do fine.
Having GPS would help as well. Might want to pack your device, along with your passport. Or bring some sturdy walking shoes and take a hike.
Rain gear, then. Add that to the list.
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