Sinn Féin TD Dessie Ellis said today, that for the Transport Minster Shane Ross there is no choice but to intervene in the Dublin Bus Strike.

Deputy Ellis said:

“The refusal by Mr. Ross to intervene is an interesting position for the Transport Minister to take when a national company is at loggerheads with its employees. No side wants industrial action but Dublin Bus management leave the workers with no other option but to continue with strike action in the absence of any willingness to negotiate.

“With the possibility of other industrial action coming down the line it looks like the Minister actions, or lack thereof, leads to one conclusion, that he is trying to play a long game in regards to privatisation. Have no doubt about it, privatisation of our transport network will benefit no-one except the private firm’s shareholders. Privatisation will lead to weaker worker rights and pay and less transport services for the public. So it is imperative for the public and the state that the Minister puts his ideology to one side and intervenes.”

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin North West Dessie Ellis has stated that completion of the Metro North, and the opening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel, will ease the increasing traffic congestion and provide the start of a proper public transport system for many areas in Dublin North West.

Welcoming the commitment from government, Deputy Ellis said;

“This investment is not before time as the Fingal area has registered the third highest population growth rate in the country (at 13.9%) in Census 2011 and a further 8% growth rate in the intervening 5-year period as shown in Census 2016 results.

“In reply to Parliamentary questions I asked the Minister for Transport Shane Ross, he confirmed that funding has been made available under the Government’s Capital Plan ‘Building on Recovery Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021’ for planning, design and construction of new Metro North, with construction expected to commence in 2021 with a view to delivering the project by 2026/2027.

“It is estimated that the project will cost in the region of €2.4 billion (excluding VAT). Capital funding of €13.7m has been provided by the NTA for the redevelopment of the Phoenix Park Tunnel. The Phoenix Park tunnel line will see new services operate from Newbridge and Hazelhatch to Grand Canal Dock, via the tunnel, Drumcondra, Connolly, Tara Street and Pearse Stations.”

He continued:

“The benefits for Dublin are obvious. Thousands of cars will essentially be removed from our streets, improving the environment of Dublin City. Jobs will also be created both during and after construction. A direct line to and from the Airport and additional services using the phoenix park tunnel, will improve the lives of commuters and tourists in Dublin overall. However, it is imperative that the Government commitments to these services are indeed fully implemented as the alternative of an increased population and underdeveloped transport infrastructure will strangle the city both socially and economically.”