Efforts are being made this afternoon to try to avert Friday’s planned strike action at Iarnród Éireann.
The Workplace Relations Commission is due to engage in exploratory talks this afternoon, to see if a basis for further talks can be found.
Train drivers who are members of SIPTU or the National Bus and Rail Union are scheduled to go on strike between 6am and 9am on Friday in protest over payment for past productivity improvements.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe has welcomed the WRC intervention.
In a statement this afternoon he said: “There has been significant engagement in recent weeks, through the WRC, to resolve this issue and to have threatened strike action at Irish Rail called off.
“I welcome the fact that exploratory talks will take place this afternoon to see whether or not a basis for renewed talks can be found. I encourage all involved to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and to make every effort to bring this matter to a close.”
If the strike goes ahead an estimated 40,000 passengers may be affected.