TALKS aimed at averting an ESB strike on Monday next were wrapped up last evening with settlement proposals being worked out.

Fine Gael TD Paul Kehoe has accused Communications Minister Dermot Ahern of doing nothing to prevent industrial action at ESB.

MAJOR doubts surrounding the future of three flagship semi-State companies look set to leave the Government with a headache after the Dáil breaks for summer recess this week.

ALL bus and rail services nationwide will grind to a halt in 10 days after drivers yesterday voted overwhelmingly in favour of a series of rolling strike actions.

UNIONS at ESB yesterday delayed until Friday a decision on whether to go ahead with strike action that could cause paralysing power cuts.

Unions in the state electricity company are to meet with bosses later this week in a bid to avert strike action, it emerged today.

The ESB Officers’ Association has informed the company of its intention to go on strike next month as part of a dispute over pay.

THE ESB is set to raise millions of euro from the sale of one third of its retail outlets. The company has decided to close 27 outlets in 15 counties as part of a major rationalisation of its retail operations.