No realistic alternatives to new Dublin Bus deal, warns Government

The Transport and Public and Commuter Transport Ministers have warned that Dublin Bus drivers must accept a final cost-cutting proposal.

“The outlook for Dublin Bus and its employees is very stark if this final effort does not succeed," a joint statement from Minister Leo Varadkar and Minister of State Alan Kelly read.

“The report by Mr Dowling and Mr Courtney points to uncertain outcomes and some of the difficult options that are being considered in these circumstances.

"If a strike happens, it will be prolonged and it will be very difficult to bring to an end given that all processes have been exhausted.

"Regardless of how it might end, quite frankly there will be no winners – all sides will be worse off. This is why the response has been so measured and every avenue explored.

"However, we have to recognise that if Mr Dowling and Mr Courtney’s recommendations are not accepted, no realistic alternatives exist.

"Unfortunately, more than a year's negotiation, through all of the industrial relations machinery of the State, has identified no other solution to the financial challenges facing the company. We are hopeful that this final intervention will be successful in reaching an agreed solution."

The statement comes after a taskforce reported that the industrial relations process to secure the company's future had been exhausted.

Drivers at the semi-state company have refused to accept cost-cutting and embarked on strike action during the summer.

A fresh ballot of drivers is expected to take place over the next week.