Statement from Minister Donohoe on proposed industrial action at Irish Rail

8th October, 2015

Reacting to the announcement this afternoon (Thursday) that Irish Rail staff plan to engage in industrial action in the form of a three hour stoppage on Friday, 23rd October, and again on 6th November, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD said: ‘News that rail services are to be disrupted, with a negative impact once again on the travelling public, is very disappointing. The issues at the heart of this dispute are ones that should be resolved through the industrial relations machinery that is available and best placed to mediate in such matters’.

 

“The financial situation at Irish Rail is such that the company continues to lose €1 million each month. For my part, I have worked exceptionally hard since coming to office to support the company in its efforts to get itself on a more stable financial footing.  Budget 2015 was the first year since 2008 that the level of Public Service Obligation (PSO) for rail services was maintained. I further negotiated an additional €35 million in 2014 and a total of €38 million this year by way of Supplementary Estimate, which was to be used for the maintenance of rail rolling stock and to enhance rail safety.  Work is also currently underway to seek an increase in PSO allocation in Budget 2016. This would be used to enhance and develop the level of service being delivered to the public.

 

“Industrial action at Irish Rail will massively inconvenience the public and have a damaging effect on the company’s finances. Company management has said it remains open to talks at the Labour Relations Commission in a bid to resolving the matter. I urge the unions involved to do the same.”

 

Ends