Travel strike to set scene for Monday hangover

Monday's transport stoppage will provide the hangover after the St Valentine's weekend with thousands of commuters expecting …

Monday's transport stoppage will provide the hangover after the St Valentine's weekend with thousands of commuters expecting delays or service cancellations due to industrial action by bus and rail workers.

Iarnród Éireann has issued an apology in advance to customers who will find themselves inconvenienced due to the four-hour action by National Bus and Railworkers' Union members.
 
The company said there is a possibility of disruption on InterCity, DART and commuter services between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.  There may also be a knock-on effect after these hours, particularly on InterCity services.

"Iarnród Éireann urges staff to work normal rosters on Monday, and ensure that unnecessary disruption does not result for our customers. We also urge unions to ensure that services operate normally," the rail company said in a statement.

Information updates will be available on Iarnród Éireann's website at www.irishrail.ieand on the information line at 1850366222.

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Bus services throughout the State will also be affected by the stoppage, which may yet see SIPTU members coming out in support of the 4,000 NBRU workers in CIÉ.

The Oranmore to Claregalway road (N64) is closed at the Quality Inn roundabout this afternoon due to a serious collision.  Motorists are experiencing delays of up to 50 minutes, according to AA Roadwatch.  Gardai are directing traffic at Carnmore Cross.

In other travel news, St James's Street in Dublin will close on Sunday from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. between Steeven's Lane and St James's Hospital for LUAS works.  The road will not be accessible during this time.

Also in Dublin, Main Street in Clondalkin will be closed from its junction with New Road to the Tower Road junction until February 29th due to work on the new bus corridor. Diversion signs will be erected and local access will be maintained at all times.

In Balbriggan, George's Hill and Station Street will remain closed until February 29th.  Works are ongoing on a development in the area.

In Cork, motorists have been warned to expect delays due to resurfacing works at Victoria Road roundabout today and tomorrow (Saturday).  Traffic restrictions are also in place on the N2 Cork/Killarney road at Ovens until July, due to the construction of a pedestrian bridge as part of the Ballincollig bypass project.

Ferries are sailing on time today and there have been no major delays at Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports.

There will be no Irish Ferries sailings on the continental route until Friday March 5th and no Stena Line service on the Rosslare to Fishguard route until February 16th due to the annual refit.