Train unions representing employees of Ireland’s railway company Iarnród Éireann have said they will strongly oppose proposals put forward by the EU Commission that the contract to run rail services in Ireland be put out to international tender.
Trade union Siptu said the EU proposal would do nothing to assist rail users and had the potential to undermine the operation of Ireland’s coherent and integrated transport system.
“Giving the operation of services over to the private sector, where profit is demanded, will inevitably lead to the death knell for a large portion of Irelands railways,” the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) said.
The Government is strongly resisting the EU proposals for more liberalisation in the Irish transport sector and is being strongly backed by unions representing staff at Iarnród Éireann.
Iarnród Éireann’s 10-year contract to run Ireland’s rail services is up for renewal in 2019.
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