Train strikes looming this sunday and monday

Irish Rail has warned passengers that its services are not expected to operate this Sunday or Monday (August 24 & 25) due to industrial action planned by members of the NBRU and SIPTU unions.

Some 2,100 workers are planning additional strikes for September 7 & 8 (a Sunday and Monday) and for Sunday, September 21.

All of the passenger trains serving Athlone would be impacted on the dates mentioned as no rail services are expected to operate across Intercity, DART or Commuter routes.

The strikes look set to affect thousands of passengers, including GAA fans who were hoping to take the train to the All Ireland football semi final between Mayo and Donegal on Sunday.

The industrial action is over temporary pay cuts for staff - of between 1.7% and 6.1% - which are due to come into place from Sunday. The cuts are aimed at cutting €17m from the wages bill at the semi-state company.

Irish Rail's chief executive David Franks is not currently in the country, having travelled abroad on holiday, but is due to return this weekend. 

If the strike goes ahead as expected it will be the first national rail strike since 2001.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe has made a last-ditch appeal to the unions to call off the strike. 

“There can be no winners if this strike action goes ahead. It will contribute nothing to the company’s prospects or to furthering its role in serving the public,' said the Minister.

'I am appealing to the Unions involved to call off the actions proposed, even at this late stage, in the interest of the future viability of Irish Rail.'