Donohoe prepared to give bus drivers guarantees on jobs and conditions

The Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe has urged bus unions to call off planned industrial action, saying he is prepared to give legal guarantees about jobs and conditions.

Mr Donohoe said a planned strike by NBRU workers on May 1 is unnecessary.

The union is taking industrial action in protest at plans to privatise 10% of Dublin Bus routes. SIPTU is also considering action.

Minister Donohoe said he regrets the decision, saying it comes just as Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann are recovering from the financial crisis.

"If this day was to go ahead it will cause disruption to commuters and is in the context of very strong development from Dublin Bus, from Bus Éireann - a great year behind them after many years of difficulty," he said.

"We need to (ensure) all the investment from the taxpayer (into Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann) - and it is huge - delivers the maximum return."