Bus strike action bites as Cork businesses demand talks

CORK Business Association President Pat O'Connell said “common sense will have to prevail” in the standoff between bus drivers and Bus Éireann.

Cork commuters were facing a fourth day of travel disruption today with the bus drivers continuing their indefinite strike.

The strike began last Friday and up to 100,000 people have been affected. Some train routes were disrupted on Friday morning as rail workers refused to pass picket lines but Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that trains will operate as per usual today.

Mr O'Connell said the strike is “very frustrating for businesses” and could cause the public to “lose faith” in public transport.

“Business was okay on Saturday but it's inconveniencing people. Common sense will have to prevail down the line at some stage. It's very frustrating that it has to get to this stage every time,” he said.

“On Friday, a lot of our older clients wouldn't have been in. They are going to have to sit down and negotiate a deal of some sort or other - for everybody's sake; the sooner, the better.

Lord Mayor Des Cahill said he was hoping for a quick resolution to the strike action.

“I would encourage people to check with relatives and neighbours and don't leave people having to walk in. Carpool as traffic is going to be affected. Big numbers use the buses in Cork, we are up 25% in the last three years,” he said.

Taxi companies Cork Taxi Co-op and Satellite Taxis both told the Evening Echo that they have seen an increased demand for their services.