The Department of Transport has said that it is seeking a derogation for Ireland from the EU Commission supported ‘Fourth Railway Package’ which calls for greater market liberalisation and competition within the railway sector in each member state.

SIPTU Construction and Utilities Division Organiser, Owen Reidy, said: “SIPTU supports the Government’s attempt to secure a derogation from rail privatisation.  This flawed EU proposal will do nothing to assist rail users and has the potential to undermine the operation of our coherent and integrated transport system.

He added: “SIPTU is the largest union in Irish Rail and will continue to lobby all political parties on this matter to seek to ensure there is universal support across political lines for this government, or any successor, to seek a derogation to these proposals.”