Disruption in services: Bus Éireann announces that industrial action will commence from this morning
The ongoing strike action by members of the National Bus and Rail Union at Bus Éireann has caused significant disruption to services and passengers across Ireland. While recent service updates point to various route changes and diversions, including temporary stop closures and diversions due to roadworks, the strike specifically has led to interruptions in regular bus operations, particularly affecting commuters in regions like the South East and East.
Key impacts of the strike include:
- **Service disruptions and diversions on affected routes**, with some bus stops temporarily out of use. For example, Route 41x experienced diversions and stop closures around Swords due to a combination of strike and roadworks. - **Delayed or canceled services**, affecting passenger travel plans and reliability. - **Financial strain on Bus Éireann**, which was already facing losses exceeding €4 million in 2024 and expecting similar figures in 2025, a factor contributing to the ongoing pay negotiations and industrial action. - Upcoming fare changes announced for Bus Éireann services may compound passenger concerns amid strikes and service instability.
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar stated that the dispute is about saving services and jobs at Bus Éireann, while also emphasising that Bus Éireann is not under Croke Park II. However, NBRU General Secretary Michael Faherty claimed that no dialogue took place between the union and Bus Éireann, despite public willingness to talk, and suggested that Bus Éireann workers are being made an example of to renegotiate the Croke Park II agreement.
Private bus operator JJ Kavanagh has offered support to passengers affected by the strike, with spare capacity on their buses and additional vehicles available if required. McGinley coaches, another private operator, will have extra coaches on standby as well. Both companies made no mention of any advertisements in their statements.
James McGinley of McGinley coaches stated that the strike's uncertainty is inconvenient and makes planning difficult. Andrew McLindon, a spokesman for Bus Éireann, shared similar sentiments, stating that it is difficult to plan ahead due to uncertainty about SIPTU members passing the picket today.
Intending passengers are advised to check live updates on Bus Éireann and Transport for Ireland websites to plan their journeys accordingly during this period of industrial action and service disruption. It is crucial for passengers to stay informed and make alternative arrangements where necessary to ensure a smooth journey.
[1] https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0514/1214104-bus-eireann-strike/ [2] https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0513/1213877-bus-eireann-strike/ [3] https://www.thejournal.ie/bus-eireann-strike-4877363-May2021/ [5] https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0513/1213702-bus-eireann-fares/
- Despite the ongoing strike in the public-transit industry, particularly in Bus Éireann, resulting in service disruptions and diversions on affected routes and delayed or canceled services, some private transportation companies like JJ Kavanagh and McGinley coaches are offering support to passengers.
- The financial strain on Bus Éireann due to the strike, which is already facing significant losses in 2024 and expecting similar figures in 2025, also impacts the broader finance sector, as the ongoing pay negotiations and industrial action could potentially affect other industries that rely on stable transportation services.
