Cullen says wildcat rail strike must not be repeated

Transport Minister Martin Cullen has said he does not want to see any repeat of the wildcat strike action that caused major rail disruption earlier this week.

A number of drivers refused to work on Monday following the introduction of new trains that they had not agreed to operate.

The stoppage forced the cancellation of virtually all services between Dublin and Cork and also affected a number of other routes.

Services have now returned to normal and talks between unions and management are taking place today in an effort to find agreement on the operation of the new trains.

Speaking in Dublin today, Mr Cullen said the industrial mechanisms of the State must be used to resolve any future disputes at Iarnród Éireann.

"I certainly don't want to see this happen again," he said. "This is not the way to do business."