Irish Rail 'to cut services in south': SIPTU

SIPTU rail branch secretary Tony Tobin has claimed that Irish Rail is due to vote on a plan to close freight services in the south of the country.

The SIPTU representative said the date for implementation of the cutbacks is unknown.

Mr Tobin said CIE is due to hold a board meeting at which the issue will be discussed.

Irish rail has admitted that the closure of IFI will cost the company at least €3m.

This is on top of the €25m deficit already announced this year.

Spokesperson Barry Kenny says that cost-saving initiatives are now needed to stabilise the company.