Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has urged the Economy Minister to give details on what financial support her Department can provide the taxi industry to get through the pandemic.

The North Down MLA said guidance relating to social distancing requirements in taxis was also needed. He made the call after the Minister failed to reply to questioning on the matter, tabled on May 5 and due for response over a week ago.

“Many taxi drivers have contacted Alliance, desperate for assistance from the Government and disappointed about the lack of any detail on a package of support, or guidance on how to effectively implement social distancing. I was therefore hopeful the Economy Minister would be able to offer some hope but weeks after asking the question, we are all still waiting.

“With numerous taxi drivers missing out on key support measures and facing bills for operating costs but no means to pay, it’s vital the Minister works with her Ministerial colleagues in Infrastructure and Finance to bring forward a package which ensures our much-needed taxi industry is enabled to weather the coronavirus storm.”