Dublin Bus services have ceased operating in the past hour ahead of 48 hours of industrial action.

The strike was due to begin at midnight but the company decided to recall the buses at 9pm so they would be in the depots by 12am.

Transport Minister Shane Ross says he has yet to be asked to meet the unions, but would be willing to do so.

However, he has warned that the Government will not be solving the dispute for them.

“The only way that the strike can be sorted is that the two sides get together across the table again and discuss a settlement. The Government is not going to be a soft touch for either management or unions and people shouldn’t think that it will be.”