Ireland

World Cup play-off travel chaos fears after talks to resolve the Irish Rail dispute fail

More train stoppages have been scheduled over the next few weeks in the Republic as rail workers go on strike
More train stoppages have been scheduled over the next few weeks in the Republic as rail workers go on strike More train stoppages have been scheduled over the next few weeks in the Republic as rail workers go on strike

Fans heading to Ireland's World Cup play-off game against Denmark in Dublin next week face travel chaos after talks to resolve the Irish Rail dispute failed.

More train stoppages have been scheduled over the next few weeks, including match day on November 14, as workers protest to demand a 3.75 per cent pay increase

A stoppage is expected on Tuesday, with no trains operating across Intercity, Dart and commuter routes.

Iarnrod Eireann management said that as more than 150,000 journeys are made on the network daily, it is not possible to provide alternative transport on dates of industrial action.

It also said it regrets the decision by the company's trade unions to schedule the strikes during November and December.

No rail services will operate tomorrow, November 7, November 14, November 23 and December 8.

December 8 is traditionally a busy pre-Christmas shopping day.

Iarnrod Eireann said passengers will be entitled to refunds for monthly, annual and other tickets.

The announcement of strikes was made after a collapse of talks at the Workplace Relations Commission over pay.

Unions had sought annual pay increases of about 3.75 per cent – similar to the rises secured by workers at Dublin Bus and Luas after strikes last year.

In a statement, Iarnrod Eireann said the effect of the strikes would be disruption to customers, loss of pay for its employees, a weakening of the company's finances - which has accumulated loses of €160 million - and a reduction of its ability to address the pay claim.