PDs lament ‘tension’ over bus routes

THE bitter Coalition row over part-privatising Dublin’s bus routes intensified last night as the PDs went on the offensive.

The party’s transport spokesman Senator Tom Morrissey admitted the wrangle had created “competitive tension” in the Government as he pressed for a quarter of routes in the capital to be opened up to new companies.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell also waded into the debate, insisting that Government policy would not be determined by strike threats.

The move followed assurances given to the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) by the Transport Minister Martin Cullen that he would provide funds for an extra 100 buses for Dublin Bus and 160 for Bus Éireann.

PD leaders have insisted the investment must be linked to reform of routes.

Government sources made it clear the minister would not sanction opening existing routes in Dublin to competition.

“If the minister gives the buses without reform, then there will be no reform. We want to implement Government policy,” Mr Morrissey said.

Mr Cullen’s €80 million investment promise was a key factor in averting a planned strike by the NBRU this week.

Coalition bickering over bus reform has led to a delay in the setting up of the Dublin Transport Authority, a shortage of busses on some routes and new bus lanes being empty or underused for the past year.

Mr McDowell said policy would not be dictated by the unions.

“This matter has been discussed at Cabinet in recent months and recent weeks long before the NBRU did what they did and I assure you that this issue is not one in which the Government’s agenda is driven by threats of industrial action,” he said.