Sir, With reference to the current taxi problem in Dublin I would like to suggest the following solution that would protect both the investment of taxi drivers in taxi plates whilst simultaneously increasing the number of plates. This is that each current holder of a taxi plate should be given a second plate, without having to pay anything for it, by the relevant authorities. The holder of the plate would then be free to keep or sell it as he or she wished. The effect of this would be to double the number of plates in existence whilst providing the current plate holders with an immediate realisable asset.
The value of a plate would presumably drop to the more reasonable levels, that for instance prevail in other Irish cities, thus reducing the cost of the investment in a plate and any associated interest charges. Lower fixed costs for the drivers would surely result in a better service for the public which, from personal experience, is very definitely needed. Yours, etc., The Crescent, Lucan, Co Dublin.