Talks on avoiding Friday rail strike to resume

Talks aimed at averting a strike by Iarnród Éireann staff are expected to continue today.

Train drivers represented by Siptu and the National Bus and Rail Union are due to hold a second three-hour work stoppage in recent weeks between 6am and 9am on Friday. They are involved in a dispute with management over payment for past productivity.

Representatives from Iarnród Éireann, Siptu and the NBRU will meet at 10.30am this morning.

Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe on Wednesday welcomed the involvement of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)in the talks.

"There has been significant engagement in recent weeks, through the WRC, to resolve this issue and to have threatened strike action at Irish Rail called off," he said in a statement.

In anticipation of Friday’s work stoppage proceeding as planned, Iarnród Éireann has issued guidance to intending rail passengers. It said rail services departing prior to 6am were expected to operate as normal until they reached their destination.

The company said all Intercity, Dart and Commuter services scheduled to depart between 6am and 9am were cancelled and that there would be knock-on disruption to services after 9am.

The company cautioned that these arrangements were subject to change.

Customers who have already booked to travel between 6am and 9am can use these tickets on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Alternatively they can submit their ticket for a full refund.