Ictu protest to cause public transport disruption

Commuters are facing widespread public transport disruption tomorrow during a number of protests planned for tomorrow afternoon to support Irish Ferries workers.

The National Day of Protest, being organised by the Irish Congress of Trade unions includes protest marches in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Athlone, Waterford and Rosslare.

A spokesman for Ictu said the organisation had received a good response to the plan. "It seems to have struck a chord with the Irish public," he said.

The protest will be addressed by David Begg, general secretary of Congress, SIPTU general president Jack O'Connor and SIPTU negotiator Patricia King. The Congress spokesman said that while they welcomed the support of political parties no politicians would be allowed on the platform.

Although Ictu has no definite estimate on how many will protest, the spokesman said that gardaí have asked to reroute the Dublin parade from Molesworth street to the Merrion Square entrance to Government buildings, which can accommodate more people.

Speculation has mounted that between 30,000 and 50,000 protesters will join the march. Dozens of unions have come out in support of the ship workers following calls from umbrella body Ictu.

Commuters are being warned that transport services could be disrupted by tomorrow's planned day of protest in support of the Irish ferries workers.

Dublin Bus said it was asking all employees rostered to work tomorrow to do so, but said it could not guarantee the service between 12 and 4.30pm.

The Busworkers Action Group has claimed bus services will be "severely" curtailed by Dublin Bus's refusal to provide transport to the protest for workers in outlying bus garages. The company said its responsibility is to its customers.

Rail passengers may fare slightly better, with Irish Rail saying that it does not expect any disruptions on the main lines, although it cannot guarantee an uninterrupted service.

A spokeswoman for the Luas service said the company was not expecting any disruption to its services tomorrow.

All schools are to remain open tomorrow, with the INTO organising to send representatives from schools to the protest where possible.

However, the Department of Education warned teachers that took time off to attend the protest their would be pay deducted accordingly.