An accountancy firm has been brought in to assess what losses Dublin Bus would suffer if drivers take further strike action.

Deloitte has been hired to assess the impact of any possible rejection of cost-saving plans at the company.

It's understood their presence is not part of a liquidation process, despite rumours - instead they will act as consultants.

It's after the recent publication of a report written by experts including staff from ICTU and IBEC, which indicated no future involvement by any third party would have find a resolution to ongoing conflict at the firm.

Drivers - who will be balloted by unions again later this week - downed tools for three days in August over plans to save nearly €12 million, which management argues are neccessary to ensure the company's survival.

SIPTU is recommending non-rejection of the ballot.

The Department of Transport are not commenting on rumours surrounding Deloitte's appointment.

Newstalk's Business Editor told the Breakfast show Dublin Bus is hanging on by a thread: