MINISTER ROSS IS ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL-RYAN

Brendan Ryan, Labour Party spokesperson for Transport, has described as “astonishing” the fact no meaningful talks have taken place since workers at Dublin Bus announced they are engaging in six days of industrial action over September.

“Today sees the beginning of strike action by Dublin Bus workers which will impact on over 400,000 commuters. I find it incredible that Minister Shane Ross has not taken any interest in resolving this very serious industrial dispute. There has already been one bitter industrial dispute this year when the LUAS workers went on strike at a time when the now Government parties were dozily walking towards forming a Government. Now the Minister seems asleep at the wheel, with no interest in rolling his sleeves up, getting both sides around the table and finding a solution. No wonder he thinks being Minister is a doddle. He’s not doing the work of Minister.”

 “Dublin Bus has undergone many reforms over the past few years. In a climate of budgetary cutbacks, the drivers shared their share of the burden. The company also invested in new vehicles, improved on board broadband services and rolled out the Dublin Bus App. Due to the commitment to the city and county over many decades, the company and it’s workers are held in great regard by the people of Dublin. It makes it even more incredible that our Minister, who is Dublin based, seems so oblivious to the impact of this industrial action. It’s time for Minister Ross to wake up”