The issue arose when a number of drivers opted not to report for work, citing health and safety concerns following a Red Alert weather warning for rain issued by Met Éireann ahead of Storm Bert.

Bus Éireann stated that the safety of its staff is of “paramount importance” and cancelled several West Cork services due to the warning.

However, drivers who did not show up for work on other routes received formal warnings and saw their wages docked.

Dermot O’Leary, general secretary of the NBRU, told Newstalk that the union is working to understand the reasoning behind Bus Éireann’s actions:

“Our role, when situations break down—as they clearly have here—is to ensure our drivers are represented, first by having their wages restored, and then by seeking clarity from Bus Éireann on how decisions are made in response to Red Alert warnings.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a public transport company deciding to operate services during a Red Alert, and we need to understand the rationale behind that,” Mr. O’Leary said.

Drivers have expressed concerns that they might have been unable to return home safely if they went to work and stated they were following Met Éireann’s advice to avoid travel during Storm Bert.