Deputy Michael Lowry has called for Governmental intervention to lift the uncertainty with regards to the industrial action planned by Unions at Iarnród Éireann to disrupt the All-Ireland hurling final.
The Independent T.D. stated that whilst talks have commenced with the Labour Relations Commission fans are being left in the dark as to whether progress is being made or whether a postponement of strike action is possible or likely.
Deputy Lowry stated;
“With just a number of days to go to the All-Ireland Final, the thousands of Tipperary fans who had planned on making the much anticipated trip to Croke Park deserve to know where they stand.”
“Fans need to finalise their travel plans and book tickets and uncertainty over trains is complicating this. It is also impacting on hotel and alternative travel arrangements. People are holding off in anticipation of a solution being reached.”
“The time has come for the Minister for Transport to step in and attempt to broker some agreement, as has been requested by both sides.”
“On one of the most important weekends in Ireland’s sporting calendar, it is a national disgrace that unions at the State rail agency should issue loyal GAA fans and regular rail commuters with this ultimatum and essentially hold them to ransom to prove their point.”
“For generations, supporters of our national games have been more than willing to pay handsomely for rail tickets so that they can be present on All-Ireland final day, yet the company is now determined to disappoint thousands of GAA fans from Tipperary and beyond.”