Brennan defends plan to privatise bus routes

Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has defended his plans to privatise 25% of Dublin Bus routes.

Speaking to the Dáil transport committee, Mr Brennan also criticised CIE unions for opposing the plans.

The minister is facing questions about how his plans would affect Dublin Bus profits, traffic congestion and bus fares and how they would affect the future of unprofitable routes currently operated by Dublin Bus.

Unions representing CIE workers have already announced a campaign of industrial action to oppose Mr Brennan's privatisation plans and his proposals to break CIE up into three separate competing companies.

The unions said the plans would lead to job losses, an erosion of workers' conditions and a deterioration in the service provided to the public.