SIPTU condemns Brennan transport policies

SIPTU today accused the Minister of Transport of being pre-occupied with deregulation and of presiding over "shambolic" public transport policies.

The union claims Mr Brennan's focus on deregulation has "blinded him from the fact that our major traffic problems are caused by political mismanagement and inadequate planning".

SIPTU president Mr Des Geraghty, said the traffic chaos and further disruption in the public transport sector is likely to get significantly worse in the months ahead if Mr Brennan fails to recognise that those who drive taxis, buses and trains are not the cause of the State's traffic problems.

"Workers in the public transport sector would not take the blame for a chaotic public transport policy," Mr Geraghty warned.

SIPTU's attack on the Minister comes as leaders of the two main Dublin Bus unions meet to outline their opposition to plans by the Mr Brennan to break up the CIÉ group.

SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers' Union have voted for strike action over the plans, which they say would see a quarter of all Dublin Bus routes handed over to private firms.

Mr Geraghty said: "Mr Brennan's lack of concern at the plight of taxi drivers' families; the proliferation of part time working; problems relating to quality and standards in the industry and his recent attack on the rights and conditions of bus workers and those employed in air services, is leading to disillusionment with his approach".

The Dublin Chamber of Commerce today welcomed the Minister's announcement yesterday that the State's first civilian traffic corps will be operational within months.

The Chamber said it will save city centre business millions if implemented correctly.

"The scheme should greatly improve traffic flow in and around the city centre and speed up carriage of goods and people," it said.