Menu
30/04/2015
Sinn Féin Call On Transport Minister To 'Accept Responsibility' For Bus Strikes
Minister for Transport Paschal Donoghue has been told to accept his responsibility for the upcoming bus strike and to "call a halt" to privatisation plans.
Sinn Féin transport spokesperson Dessie Ellis made the call ahead of a 48 hours strike in an ongoing dispute over the government's plan to privatise 10% of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus routes.
"The Minister cannot continue to blame workers or shift responsibility on to the NTA or Europe. It was his decision to begin to privatise bus routes across the state and this has led to these very justifiable concerns by workers and their unions," Deputy Ellis said.
"This strike on the face of it is about workers conditions, but in reality is about a campaign by government to undermine and destroy public transport in the state and to sell it off to the highest bidder.
"The plans would see 10% of public transport routes being offered to private interests but in Waterford 100% of bus routes are to be on the auction block. It is clear Waterford is the guinea pig for the government privatisation plans.
"Fine Gael and Labour in government have cut between 21 and 24 percent of the subsidy to Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann as well as forcing fare increases and route cuts which created serious challenges for the companies. Through hard work these public companies, which are essential for many communities across Dublin and the state, weathered cuts and the jobs crisis. They now face direct attack from this government.
"The Minister has one option to avert this strike and ensure public transports future for the communities that depend on it, and that is to call a halt to his privatisation plans right now and consign them to the dustbin."
(MH/CD)
Sinn Féin transport spokesperson Dessie Ellis made the call ahead of a 48 hours strike in an ongoing dispute over the government's plan to privatise 10% of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus routes.
"The Minister cannot continue to blame workers or shift responsibility on to the NTA or Europe. It was his decision to begin to privatise bus routes across the state and this has led to these very justifiable concerns by workers and their unions," Deputy Ellis said.
"This strike on the face of it is about workers conditions, but in reality is about a campaign by government to undermine and destroy public transport in the state and to sell it off to the highest bidder.
"The plans would see 10% of public transport routes being offered to private interests but in Waterford 100% of bus routes are to be on the auction block. It is clear Waterford is the guinea pig for the government privatisation plans.
"Fine Gael and Labour in government have cut between 21 and 24 percent of the subsidy to Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann as well as forcing fare increases and route cuts which created serious challenges for the companies. Through hard work these public companies, which are essential for many communities across Dublin and the state, weathered cuts and the jobs crisis. They now face direct attack from this government.
"The Minister has one option to avert this strike and ensure public transports future for the communities that depend on it, and that is to call a halt to his privatisation plans right now and consign them to the dustbin."
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 April 2015
10% Privatisation Proposal 'Start Of Idealogical Crusade' - SF
The plan to privatise 10% of public bus routes has been described as a "the start of an ideological crusade to begin the privatisation of public transport services".
10% Privatisation Proposal 'Start Of Idealogical Crusade' - SF
The plan to privatise 10% of public bus routes has been described as a "the start of an ideological crusade to begin the privatisation of public transport services".
29 October 2014
Increased Public Transport Fares From Saturday
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has approved plans to increase public transport fares. The fare increases will range from between 1% and 28%, with some coming into effect from this Saturday (1 November).
Increased Public Transport Fares From Saturday
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has approved plans to increase public transport fares. The fare increases will range from between 1% and 28%, with some coming into effect from this Saturday (1 November).
13 April 2015
Public Transport 'Backbone Of Successful Country' - SF
Sinn Féin has said that a solid public transport infrastructure "is the backbone of any successful country". The party's transport spokesperson, Dessie Ellis, said that Sinn Féin supported the drivers of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann against the privatisation of bus routes across the country.
Public Transport 'Backbone Of Successful Country' - SF
Sinn Féin has said that a solid public transport infrastructure "is the backbone of any successful country". The party's transport spokesperson, Dessie Ellis, said that Sinn Féin supported the drivers of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann against the privatisation of bus routes across the country.
15 April 2015
Privatised Bus Routes 'Undermines Public Transport' - FF
The government's proposal to privatise bus routes "undermines the principle of publicly funded, publicly owned and operated public transport", Fianna Fáil Spokesperson in Transport, Timmy Dooley, said. Deputy Dooley said Fianna Fáil was opposed to the sell-off of bus routes to private operators and is calling on the Government to halt the process.
Privatised Bus Routes 'Undermines Public Transport' - FF
The government's proposal to privatise bus routes "undermines the principle of publicly funded, publicly owned and operated public transport", Fianna Fáil Spokesperson in Transport, Timmy Dooley, said. Deputy Dooley said Fianna Fáil was opposed to the sell-off of bus routes to private operators and is calling on the Government to halt the process.
26 January 2017
Bus Éireann 'Directly Threaten' School Bus Service - SIPTU
Bus Éireann has "directly threatened" the future of a school bus service, according to trade union SIPTU. The union made the allegation following the presentation of a pay claim at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Bus Éireann 'Directly Threaten' School Bus Service - SIPTU
Bus Éireann has "directly threatened" the future of a school bus service, according to trade union SIPTU. The union made the allegation following the presentation of a pay claim at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
