Impasse continues in train dispute

A second three-hour national train stoppage, affecting 40,000 passengers and costing Irish Rail a further €500,000, appeared likely this morning as talks between Irish management and driver unions still had not resolved their dispute.

As the talks were continuing at the Workplace Relations Commission late last night, Irish Rail was already advising passengers intending to travel on trains between 6am and 9am to consider alternative arrangements. Those looking to travel before 6am and in the couple of hours after 9am were also being warned to consult its website for the latest travel information.

Following reported progress on other issues, by 9pm talks had only begun in earnest on the key issues of past productivity and a reduction in the working week.