Strikes tomorrow set to impact schools, healthcare, and local authority services  

Cork schools, universities, parks, libraries, and heritage sites are set to be closed tomorrow, and healthcare services curtailed, due to public sector strikes.

The HSE South West, which covers Cork and Kerry, said it is expecting “significant and widespread disruption” to HSE services.

The strike will lead to the cancellation of all non-urgent healthcare services including routine hospital procedures and outpatient appointments, as well as community-based services, including day services and clinics in primary care services.

The HSE advised that emergency departments and other critical services will continue, as well as ambulances, although there will be a curtailed service.

Dentists are set to strike as for the first time in its history, the Irish Dental Association served notice of industrial action on behalf of its members working in the HSE.

Most schools, colleges and universities will be closed as all four teaching unions are set to strike, with picket lines expected at schools. The ASTI said that there will be around 2,700 members in Cork secondary schools on strike.

Picket lines

Fórsa, said that “with schools closed members may need to bring their children to the picket line.

“Safety on the picket line is a key priority for everyone so please ensure their safety at all times. You might like to bring signs for your children to hold,” the union said.

All heritage sites and parks operated by the Office of Public Works (OPW), including Charles Fort in Kinsale, Doneraile Court and Estate and Fota Arboretum and Gardens, will not open.

It is understood that several council services will also not be operating, including Cork City Hall, all 10 city libraries, city and county archives and any parks with gates – such as Tramore Valley and Fitzgerald’s Park. The civic amenity site and Cork Public Museum within these parks will also not operate.

Paul St car park will be closed, but the council’s other car park on North Main St will remain open, and the Park and Ride service will continue to run.

The fire brigade will still operate, as will burial and cemetery services, safety-critical roads functions and critical housing services, including homeless services and emergency repairs.

Delivery of essential services

A city council spokesperson said that a Business Continuity Plan has been enacted to support the continued delivery of essential services.

“We anticipate the level of disruption will vary across our services. Some local authority buildings will be closed to the public on and other services may operate at reduced capacity.”

The spokesperson apologised to the public for the disruption, and advised them to check the council’s website for updates.

All county council buildings will also be closed, it is understood.

Though gardaí are covered by public sector pay agreements, they are legally prohibited from engaging in industrial action.

Solidarity with colleagues

The Garda Representative Association’s general secretary Ronan Slevin said that the union express solidarity with public sector colleagues, and though they may have to cross picket lines because of legal obligations, this does not mean that they oppose the action of the unions.

He added: “It is extremely disappointing that the Garda Representative Association has received absolutely no contact from Minister Chambers or his officials regarding attendance at any pay talks.

“Once again we have been sidelined, excluded, and taken for granted. National Executive are meeting tomorrow to discuss the blatant disregard shown to our members.”