City retailers voice serious concern at Dublin Bus strike plans
"Retailers can ill afford any further disruption to trading," says Retail Ireland's Thomas Burke, and prospect of ongoing stoppages during September "must be avoided"
Print7 September 2016
Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the retail sector, today expressed serious concern at the potential effect of proposed industrial action by Dublin Bus drivers over the coming days on Dublin retailers and the wider Dublin economy.
“Dublin Bus is a crucial part of Dublin’s transport infrastructure and those using the service account for 42%* of all retail spend in the city,” said Retail Ireland director Thomas Burke. “Cutting off such a vital service will undoubtedly have an impact on city centre footfall and trading levels during the days of industrial action. On foot of the recent LUAS strike and the disruption resulting from the road works as part of the LUAS cross city project, retailers can ill afford any further disruption to trading.
“At a time when retail businesses are only beginning to return to growth after years of falling sales, this interruption to transport services has the potential to seriously impact traders in the city centre and other radial routes reliant on the bus network. The prospect of ongoing stoppages in services during September is a cause for great concern and must be avoided,” Burke added.
He also noted retailers “have been forced into emergency contingency planning” to offset the impact for customers and their own employees who rely on Dublin Bus for their commute into work.
*(Source: Millward Brown – Dublin City Centre Shopper Survey Report – 2014)
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