Ireland faces St Patrick’s strike

Anyone planning to travel to Ireland for St Patrick’s Day next week should be aware that airport, bus and train workers have voted to strike on the day after the national holiday. According to a report in The Times newspaper, staff at Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports are planning to walk out next Thursday at 7.30am, for six hours, at the same time as staff of the CIE transport company. There is also industrial action planned for the three airports on 2, 20 and 26 April, the newspaper reports. The action is reportedly in protest at plans the reform of the country’s public transport system, and is clearly aimed at disrupting those travelling to Ireland for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Delegates heading for an EU summit in Dublin next week are also likely to be affected. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad