Hopes of averting further train strikes have risen after the ATGWU's Irish secretary, Mr Mick O'Reilly, decided to recommend that the drivers accept a peace initiative by the National Implementation Body.
The NIB has proposed that the Labour Court examines disciplinary proceedings against the drivers while the Irish Congress of Trades Unions deals with the row between SIPTU and the ATGWU over who should represent them.
Iarnrod Eireann may sue the ATGWU's parent body for £500,000 for the stoppages.