Union leaders hopeful of pay deal
Thousands Meath public sector workers bracing themselves for strike action again on Thursday were hoping a deal could be reached today (Tuesday), as pay talks continued at the Workplace Relations Commission.
The public sector strike proposed for Thursday would see widespread disruption and a workers rally in Dublin coinciding with a major European Summit.
Ireland is due to host a meeting of the European Political Community (EPC), which will see around 50 leaders gather in Dublin on Thursday for political discussions.
Chair of ICTU's Public Services Committee and Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan said they are committed to trying to close out a deal "today".
"But really, that's going to depend on how the talks go. We're seriously going to try and negotiate a public service deal," he added.
Mr Callinan said it is impossible to say if Thursday’s strike will be called off.
If the strike goes ahead, thousands of Meath public sector workers will join tens of thousands across the country, a month after a similar strike caused widespread disruption.
As part of the strike, union members are being encouraged to march in rallies rather than stage pickets outside their workplaces.
There will be eight demonstrations across the country from 12pm to 2pm, with the largest taking place in Dublin.
The other rallies will be held in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Sligo, Tullamore and Letterkenny.
European Affairs Minister, Thomas Byrne TD, has encouraged the public to plan ahead if travelling in, or near Dublin, ahead of two major European summits this week.
The EPC Summit on Thursday will be followed on Friday, 13th November, by an informal meeting of EU Heads of State or Government.
Both meetings will take place in the Convention Centre on Dublin’s North Wall Quay. The meetings will be the largest ever meetings of Heads of State or Government to take place in Ireland.
An extensive policing and security operation came into effect today (Tuesday).
Minister Byrne said: “If you are planning to travel to Dublin City, Dublin Airport or Dublin Port on the 11th, 12th or 13 th of November, I strongly encourage you to check the latest public transport information and plan your journey accordingly. Certain roads will be closed, public transport routes diverted, and delays are expected. Leave plenty of time for your journey and if possible, you should monitor updates across social media. Every effort is being made to minimise disruption to the public and to businesses, while policing these important events safely and successfully. I am encouraging anyone affected by these major summits, to plan ahead and ensure you leave adequate time for your travel.”
"These security considerations and measures will impact those who live, work and study in the areas around the Convention Centre, the National Gallery and on routes between Dublin Airport, Casement Aerodrome (Baldonnel) and several city hotels, as well as public transport users.
"Updated Information on the summits is available on garda.ie and updated public transport information is available from the National Transport Authority, Transport for Ireland and individual service operators."