Hope of avoiding bus strike

A SENIOR Bus Éireann official says he is hopeful major disruption planned to services in Waterford city within the next three weeks can be averted.

SIPTU served the company with strike notice a fortnight ago after a dispute in the city over private bus operators.

SIPTU agreed that progress is being made but they need to see action on the ground.

Action two weeks ago saw thousands of passengers stranded in the city.

Since then, there have been a series of meetings between union officials and company bosses.

Bus Eireann’s services manager Ray Kearney said progress is being made at the talks and he is hopeful that the action threatened - a complete stoppage of services in Waterford on December 10 - will not take place.