Dooley urges dialogue to avert transport strikes

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Timmy Dooley has cautioned the Government that they must work with bus unions to avert planned strikes by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann workers.

Members of SIPTU and the National Bus and Rail Union are planning to hold two 48-hour stoppages on May 1 and 2 and May 15 and 16 in a row over the privatisation of bus routes.

Deputy Dooley commented, “The Government, and Minister Paschal Donohoe in particular, needs to take whatever action is necessary to prevent these strikes from going ahead. The timing is particularly serious as it will affect tens of thousands of commuters, passengers and tourists on a busy bank holiday weekend. The fact that major rail engineering works are planned for that same weekend, resulting in the cancellation of a number of DART services and the closure of certain train stations adds to the imposition on travellers.

“Commuters are understandably annoyed at the prospect of another strike. A previous strike in August 2013 led to the cancellation of Dublin Bus services for three days resulting in major disruption and a loss to the Dublin economy of €4 million. The loss in revenue to both companies can also not be underestimated and could damage the future viability of these entities.”