Courts / Dublin / Report

'Abusive' taxi driver ordered to pay €12k for driving off on couple with guide dog

Date
2026-05-05

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A Dublin taxi driver has been ordered to pay €12,000 to a visually impaired couple after refusing them service and driving off without them and their guide dog at Heuston Station in December 2024. Anthony Clarke and Lisa O'Donovan, both visually impaired, reported the incident to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), where they alleged the driver, Abiodun Dongo, was abusive and aggressive. The couple had travelled from Cork with Clarke's guide dog and approached Dongo at the taxi rank. Dongo allegedly reacted abruptly, refused to take the guide dog, and drove off without them. The WRC found that the couple had been discriminated against on grounds of disability and denied reasonable accommodation. Adjudication officer Valerie Murtagh upheld their complaints and ordered Dongo to pay €6,000 each. She also directed that Dongo comply with equality legislation in the future. The couple described the incident as highly embarrassing and humiliating, and the tribunal found them to be credible witnesses. The decision highlights the importance of accommodating individuals with disabilities and the consequences of failing to do so.