The Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe has made a fresh appeal to unions to call off their planned industrial action at Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann.

SIPTU drivers say they will hold four days of strike action next month.

It follows what they say is a refusal by the management of both companies to meet with workers to discuss their concerns over plans to privatise 10% of bus routes.

At a meeting this morning, drivers agreed to hold work stoppages on Friday May 1st, Saturday May 2nd, Friday May 15th and Saturday May 16th.

While the NBRU has also announced plans for its members to hold strikes on the 1st and 2nd of May - followed by a three-day work stoppage on May 29th, 30th and 31st.

It follows talks at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) which collapsed.

SIPTU says: "In correspondence received from Bus Éireann on 16th April and from Dublin Bus on the 17th April, the companies refused to agree to a meeting and merely recommended that the LRC process should be reconstituted."

"It is outrageous that having taken a moderate approach to prevent industrial action by seeking direct talks with both bus companies, SIPTU has been met with such intransigence," it adds.

The union also says it has met with the Department of Transport - which it described as "useful" - but adds that until they meet with both bus companies "it is impossible to make an assessment on the prospects of making progress in allying our members' concerns."

SIPTU utilities and construction division organiser, Owen Reidy, told Newstalk Lunchtime the bus companies will not meet them - so they feel they are left with no choice but to strike.

But Mr Donohoe says he still thinks unions can accept his assurances about work and conditions, and says the strike will cause unnecessary hassle to thousands of people.