Dublin Bus unions to decide today if services to Finglas will be reinstated

UNIONS AT Dublin Bus will decide this afternoon whether to reinstate services to housing estates in Finglas which have been cancelled at night because of a recent spate of attacks on buses and drivers.

Last night the services of the 40, 40A, 40B and 40C terminated at Finglas village from 7pm onwards, while the 40D and the 220 bypassed Finglas housing estates and continued to Blanchardstown after 7pm.

The restrictions, which were supported by Dublin Bus management, had been due to continue until Monday. However there is now a possibility that services will be restored tonight following a meeting between management and unions at Dublin Bus with gardaí.

The meeting, held in Blanchardstown Garda station yesterday, led to certain assurances being given to bus drivers on their safety. The details of the meeting will not be made public until all drivers on the routes concerned have been canvassed as to their willingness to resume services into the problem estates. However it is understood that gardaí have committed to putting extra high-visibility resources in these areas, including gardaí on buses.

In recent weeks buses have been subject to attacks involving stones, rocks and other missiles being thrown at windows. Drivers have also been abused by a small number of passengers.

The decision to restrict services follows violent scenes in the Cardiffsbridge area of Finglas on St Patrick's Day, where cars were burned and 17 people were arrested.