Irish airport strikes called off

Strikes threatened for three Irish airports tomorrow have reportedly been called off – but industrial action planned for the country’s rail and bus network will still go ahead. As reported by News From Abroad, airport staff last week voted to join rail and bus workers in a 24-hour strike in protest at plans to reform the Irish transport network. Widespread chaos had been expected, with thousands of tourists in Ireland this week for St Patrick’s Day celebrations. The action had been threatened because of a suggestion that transport reforms would be announced this month, but following a reassurance by the Irish premier Bertie Ahern that no legislation would be introduced until “well beyond Easter”, the strike was called off. According to the BBC News website, three strikes planned for Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports in April have also been postponed. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad