Luas operator Transdev says it plans to explore legal options after drivers escalated their strike action with five 24-hour work stoppages announced for April and May.

The industrial action in connection with issues over pay has caused significant disruptions for commuters in recent weeks. There are also colossal revenue implications for Transdev which amounts to €100,000 per day.

Defending the workers affected and their upcoming strike plans, Siptu negotiator Owen Reidy said:

"The reason why we did this today and gave such lengthy notice is to create the space and opportunity for talks in the hope that the strikes won't have to happen.''

He added that they have received no contact from industrial relations mediators since negotiations broke down before Easter.

Meanwhile, business people are feeling the direct impact of this dispute, according to CEO of Dublin Town, Richard Guiney. Guiney says that a loss of trade is a major concern for the business community.

"16% of people who come in to shop in Dublin city centre will use the Luas, so obviously there's a possibility that we may lose some of that trade."

"We estimate the cost roughly between €1m to €1.5m per day of a Luas strike, so obviously the longer this goes on, and the more days that we have, the greater concern it is for the business community."