ILDA defers strike action

Members of the Irish Locomotive Drivers Association have voted to defer strike action on the country's railways.

Emerging from a meeting shortly before 2pm this afternoon, the group's leader Brendan Ogle said they would now take their case to a Rights Commissioner, who would review their dispute with Iarnrod Eireann.

The row concerns disciplinary action being taken by the company against eight ILDA members, with the group claiming they are being victimised.

Mr Ogle said the possibility of further action being taken by the ILDA depends on the findings of the Rights Commissioner.

Iarnrod Eireann has threatened to sue the ILDA and its affiliate union, the ATGWU, for damages if the stoppages go ahead.