Unions and Irish Rail locked in talks this evening

Unions and Irish Rail management are locked in talks this evening to try to reach a deal which may avert strike action.

A dispute over past productivity has led to two stoppages being planned, with the first due to happen this Friday morning during rush hour.

Both sides said that they were confident of reaching a deal heading into talks at the Workplace Relations Commission earlier.

Dermot O'Leary of the NBRU says that they don't want a strike, but that Irish Rail must step up.

"Unfortunately the programme for industrial action is set to commence for three hours on Friday morning between six and nine and on November 6 between six and nine as well.

"And look we don't want to be there, no driver wants to be on strike, but we've been forced into this situation and I want to make it very clear the onus is on the company, the emphasis is on them and what they can bring to the table."