Irish Hotels Federation Slams Train Drivers Actions
I have to applaud the President of the Irish Hotels Federation for coming out and commenting on the strike action by CIE train drivers . This type of unofficial action should not be condoned when the traveling public are been held to ransom . The following is the release from the IHF today .
The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today slammed the unofficial strike action by CIE drivers stating that it is causing major inconvenience to travellers and threatening the tourism industry on the eve of one of the most important holiday weekends of the year. It called on the parties involved to have the maturity to face up to their responsibilities and to immediately ensure the resumption of full train services while seeking a resolution of the dispute. The general public and businesses nationwide are being seriously inconvenienced and losing valuable business as a result of this ridiculous action. “The irresponsible actions of those involved are having a real damaging impact on the general public and businesses - there has to be a wake up call on the parties involved to immediately resume full services while getting down to resolving the dispute,” says Matthew Ryan, IHF President. According Mr Ryan, this irresponsible action is having a major impact on one of the busiest bank holidays of the year as there is no certainty on potential travel services. “We have already had to endure major disruption over the past week. Cancellations are rife not only in the hotel sector but across concerts and other business events due to people not being able to get to Dublin or down to Cork or Kerry. In particular visitor figures are visibly down in the affected areas on the train routes to Cork and Kerry and Dublin. This weekend is a crucial bank holiday weekend for people wishing to go away and a highlight in the tourism season’s calendar.” The IHF states that is it unbelievable that this issue has been allowed to continue. There is an onus on the State, Irish Rail and the trade unions involved to ensure a reliable transport service and given there is a national emphasis on getting people to consider public transport over private vehicles, it is incredulous that this situation has been allowed to go on. People can only seriously consider opting for public transport when there is certainty of service and a confidence in public transport. “This action is taking place at a time when we are trying to build a regional tourism product against intense competition from other destinations. Such action is very damaging to the industry perception both here and overseas as we try to encourage both domestic and foreign business. The consequences for the livelihoods of those in the industry are very real with jobs now being put at risk in the most affected areas,” says Matthew Ryan. The IHF represents 1,000 hotels and guesthouses nationwide.