The Labour Relations Commission is expected to call Iarnrod Eireann and its two recognised trade unions for train-drivers in for talks at the weekend in an effort to resolve the rail dispute, now in its 28th day.
This follows the failure of SIPTU drivers to operate special ammonia trains between Cork and Arklow in accordance with a strong recommendation from their own union. This refusal has led to a situation where almost 200 other SIPTU workers have been laid off by Irish Fertilizer Industries in Arklow.
The National Bus & Railworkers' Union is also expected to be invited to the talks. However, the Irish Locomotive Drivers' Association, which is not recognised by Iarnrod Eireann, is not expected to participate.
The SIPTU drivers met in Cork for over two hours to consider the plan but held firm on their refusal to drive the trains from Cobh to Arklow.
It is understood that if the ILDA drivers had agreed to work with the SIPTU and NRBU members on the ammonia route, then a deal would have been done. But when the ILDA workers refused, SIPTU members rejected the plan, citing loyalty to their striking colleagues.
anaiste Ms Harney expressed surprise at the train drivers' decision and urged them to think of the laid-off workers at the Arklow plant. She said that the IFI workers were being unfairly penalised for a disagreement not of their making. "I would call for an urgent rethink by those involved with a view to an early resolution and so that services can get back to normal as soon as possible," Ms Harney said.
ILDA members have offered to work the ammonia trains on their old rosters but this has been rejected by Iarnrod Eireann as it would constitute entering into negotiations with the breakaway group.
Weekend travel arrangements are expected to be disrupted by the dispute. Widespread disruption is expected for people returning to Dublin after the weekend. The Kildare Arrow route is also patchy and will cause disruption for weekend shoppers.
However, the situation has improved for Cork commuters. Five services are available in both directions between Cork and Dublin, and the Cork-Cobh service has resumed.
Four services are available from Dublin to Tralee, while two are available in the opposite direction. Commuters from Dublin to Limerick have seven services to choose from, while passengers travelling in the opposite direction have five.
Three services are running in both directions between Dublin and Sligo. The Galway, Waterford, Rosslare and Belfast routes all have full service today.
All DART services are running as normal, as are the Maynooth and Arklow services.
There are special services for the Munster Football Final in Limerick and for the replay of the Offaly-Kildare match in Dublin.
Iarnrod Eireann has advised all intending passengers to consult its information line (1850 366222) or its website www.irishrail.ie before travelling.