Gilmore appeals for eleventh hour Bus Éireann talks

The Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has appealed for eleventh hour talks to avert strike action at Bus Éireann.

But he has warned the company that they have to cut costs for its very survival.

It is expected services will be hit from Sunday with workers planning to down tools in a row over plans to cut costs by €5m.

However, Gilmore told the Dáil there is still scope for talks: "I very much hope the management and the unions use the period between now and Sunday to engage in further dialogue to ensure the necessary savings are introduced and the provisions of bus services for the public are protected."