Union considering strike action as frustration at Irish Rail reaches 'fever pitch'

Union figures are not ruling out more industrial action at Irish Rail, as driver frustration reaches "fever pitch".

It is almost a year since a nationwide strike caused disruption for commuters, but now a row over pay and conditions is among the factors leaving drivers unhappy.

The National Bus and Rail Union has told the Irish Independent that while industrial action would be a "last resort", it is an approach being considered.

Irish Rail says it has not been notified of any strike, or balloting of union members.

Irish Rail spokesman, Barry Kenny, said improvements are being made in the company, and they need to continue.

He said: "That funding situation has improved somewhat, we have passenger numbers beginning to grow again and the key to getting out of this is to ensure that those two things continue.

"We will adress them through normal industrial relations, not through any situation whereby customers feel that there is a threat to their service."