galway public forum against privatisation

galway | anti-capitalism | press release Sunday August 10, 2003 14:57 by jamie galway

tues aug 12th, 8.pm, imperial hotel, eyre sq, galway

defend public transport

The government is preparing to sell off and privatise C.I.E. The transport minister Seamus Brennan wants to hand over 25% of Dublin Bus routes to private companies and non-union foreign multi-nationals. He claims that his policies will bring a better transport service with more buses, cheaper fares and greater efficiency. This is a lie!
In every country that has introduced similiar policies they have been a disaster. In Britain, the train service virtually collapsed when it was handed over to private companies. These companies should be held personally responsible for the deaths of people in places such as Paddington because of their pursuit of profit at the expense of safety.
Despite all of Brennan's talk the public will not get a better service. Fares will rise, safety standads will drop, routes and jobs will be threatened all in the pursuit of profit. The government has already given control of LUAS to Connex, a French company with a track record of poor safety practices and inefficiencies.
If the privatisation of C.I.E is allowed to go through, the E.S.B, VHI, and Aer Lingus will soon follow.
CIE workers are fighting back, for their jobs, work conditions and our public services.

For these reasons a public forum has been organised by members of SIPTU, transport workers and local and community sector organisation in Galway.

It takes place on Tuesday, August 12th at 8.pm in the Imperial Hotel on Eyre sq in Galway. Come along and join the fightback against privatisation!