Dublin Chamber of Commerce warns of impact of bus strike

DUBLIN Chamber of Commerce has warned that the threat of further Dublin Bus strikes is impacting on the ability of businesses to plan for the future.

The body has called on all parties involved in the current dispute to find a resolution that will prevent further strike action.

Dublin Chamber’s Public Affairs Manager, Graeme McQueen, said: “The current strikes come at a time when businesses in Dublin are looking to plan for the future. The uncertainty created by the threat of continued industrial action is preventing them from being able to make strategic decisions about jobs and growth. The strikes also come at a time when Dublin is seeking to win investment from abroad.

“The longer the current impasse continues, the bigger the risk to Dublin and Ireland’s reputation. It is in everyone’s interest to resolve the current dispute as quickly as possible.”

Mr McQueen believes that the bus strike highlights the fragility of Dublin’s strained public transport network.

He added: “Dublin’s public transport infrastructure is at saturation point on a daily basis. The significant lack of investment in our transport infrastructure over the past decade means that when one cog in the machine goes down, the city grinds to a halt.

“This has an impact on all workers and all businesses in the city. For many companies it means having to allow employees to alter their working hours, to work from home or to use annual leave. Long-term, such changes can have a significant impact on the business and also on the lives of employees.”