Thousand of commuters and businesses are facing severe disruption again today, as the sixth day of the Dublin Bus strike is underway.
Business owners in the capital say the strikes are costing them thousands of euro in trade.
Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) is calling for an immediate solution to be found to resolve the strike, as it says retail sales plunge by up to 60% today and yesterday.
Commenting on the situation, REI CEO David Fitzsimons said: "Our offices have been inundated with phone calls from Dublin based retailers this morning and yesterday expressing significant concern as to the impact of the strike on footfall and retail sales activity.
"Retailers are recording sales declines of between 25% and 60% with some retailers considering closing their stores early this afternoon.
"The situation is grave with one retail store considering closing for good.
"An immediate solution needs to be found and Minister Shane Ross needs to take a lead in resolving the matter."
Drivers at the company are in a long-running row with management over pay, with 13 more strike days scheduled for this month and next.
Dublin Bus says no services are operating Saturday, and Nitelink services will not operate tonight or Sunday morning.
All services, including Airlink and sightseeing tours, will operate as normal on Sunday.
The company says it is "disappointed" the industrial action is taking place.
It says that, to date, the industrial action has cost the company in excess of €4m "and continues to impact the financial stability of the company."
Further stoppages are due next month on the 1st, 5th, 7th 10th, 12th, 14th, 18th, 19th, 24th, 26th and 29th of October.
NBRU General-Secretary Dermot O'Leary said: "The NBRU has no fundamental issue with Minister Ross and his 'jaded' state chequebook line when it comes to dealing with this dispute, we do agree with his view that both sides should get together to resolve this dispute.
"The trade union side are committed to engaging without preconditions, it's a matter for Dublin Bus as to whether it will reciprocate.
While SIPTU organiser John Murphy says it is time they have some meaningful engagement.
