Coronavirus: Payments for taxi drivers and bus operators approved

Taxi drivers say their businesses have been severely disrupted by the pandemic

Financial support for taxi drivers and coach and bus operators affected by Covid-19 restrictions has been approved by the executive.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said a £14m package would go directly to taxi drivers.

She confirmed it would be a one-off cash payment of £1,500 to each taxi driver.

Some drivers have criticised this amount, describing it as "a go-away payment".

They said this would not go far enough to cover lost earnings during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Not a 'go-away payment'

Ms Mallon said she did not agree it was a "go-away payment".

"I've been very honest with people, as the minister for infrastructure I don't have the power to create schemes," she said.

"I was given these powers at the weekend, I've delivered a scheme to the executive today and I'm clearly saying I want it up and running as quickly as possible".

She said she recognised taxi drivers were struggling and she was doing what she could in difficult circumstances.

She said her intention was to open the online application process on 9 November.

Coach and bus operators will get a bespoke financial scheme worth a total of £5m that will be based on the number of buses in a firm's fleet.

She said it would be capped at up to £100,000 for each operator.

'Take ownership of us'

Speaking before the £14m package was confirmed, taxi driver Pat Meghan told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster a £1,500 one-off payment was "very disappointing".

"We've went through this process for the last seven months of talking to this department and trying to get somebody to take ownership of us and, finally on Tuesday, Nichola Mallon broke this big news to us that she's putting a bespoke scheme in place," he said.

• Taxi drivers welcome financial support package plans

• Support for taxi, coach and bus firms 'brought forward'

Mr Meghan said some drivers have cars worth £52,000, which incur high monthly costs.

"£1,500 for the last seven months - we don't know what we're looking into in the future. Is it a payment to get us to go away?"

"Our night time economy has gone, there's nothing out there, there's no one in the city centre, no offices," said Mr Meghan.

"We're down to 10-15% of the work we used to have.

"I haven't been out of the house this last fortnight, I haven't taken the car out because it costs money, money that I don't have to put fuel in my car."