As commuters face almost day-long disruption as a result of today's CIE stoppage, the Taoiseach appealed to the unions not to strike but to engage in further talks with the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan.
Bus and rail workers will withdraw their services from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in protest at Government plans to break up the public transport company. But management has warned that disruption may begin earlier than 11 a.m. and continue late into the evening.
Dublin Bus says it cannot guarantee a full service from 9.15 a.m. because drivers have been asked to return their vehicles to city garages before the protest.
This will allow quick resumption of service afterwards, the company said. However, both Bus Éireann and Íarnród Éireann warned of "knock-on" effects, as the failure of buses and trains to depart during the protest means that vehicles will not be available for return journeys and forward connections.
The problem will persist "for the remainder of the day," Bus Éireann said. Íarnród Éireann will operate an information line on rail and DART services all day at 1850-366-222. Updates will also be available on its website: www.irishrail.ie
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, speaking in Mexico City last night, emphasised that change must happen in CIE. "We want to try to implement this with them. We are giving them a door to come in for negotiations. Many of the unions recognise that there has to be change," he said.
The Minister for Transport had already made it clear that no jobs would be lost by any changes in the structure of CIE, Mr Ahern said. "Seamus Brennan would probably want to go further than they would. But life is about compromise. But the NBRU is saying that it will discuss nothing," he added.
Opposition to increased competitiveness and change from trade unions and other influential quarters in Irish society was one of the reasons for Ireland's current inflation rate.
Today's main protest is to take place in Dublin, with a march from Parnell Square to the Dáil, and from there via the quays to Heuston Station, where the CIE board is due to meet.
The Minister for Transport and the trade unions exchanged blame on the eve of the strike, with Mr Brennan calling the work stoppage "regrettable" and reiterating his message that he sought change rather than confrontation at CIE. He also said he remained available for talks.
The National Bus and Railworkers' Union apologised to the public for the inconvenience, but said it had been left with no alternative because of Mr Brennan's failure to consult before the start of restructuring, and the award of licences to private bus operators.