Strikes could 'wreck' Luas: Paschal Donohoe
The Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe has said the Luas will be 'wrecked' if an industrial dispute at the company is not ended.
It is hoped a strike on St Patrick's Day may be averted with talks to end a row over pay due to begin at the Workplace Relations Commission on Wednesday.
Drivers have carried out two 48-hour strikes so far in a row over pay increases with Luas operator Transdev. Unions are seeking pay increases of up to 54% over five years, while management have suggested pay rises of around 3%.
Two more strikes are scheduled for March 8 and 17.
Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe (pictured) said talks at the WRC had to be successful.
"Everybody has to have realistic expectations and demands as they go into negotiations," he said.
"The continuation of these strikes will wreck the Luas. It will cause huge damage to this city, to commuters and to the Luas itself."
