Further disruptions to trains in southwest

Rail services in the southwest face more disruptions today because of unofficial strike action by about 350 train drivers over…

Rail services in the southwest face more disruptions today because of unofficial strike action by about 350 train drivers over roster arrangements.

The services affected are the Tralee-Killarney and Tralee-Mallow routes. Iarnród Éireann is providing bus transfers for passengers on the services disrupted.

Tonight the 6.35 p.m. from Heuston to Tralee will be affected. Iarnród Éireann said a train will run to Mallow, with a connecting bus from Mallow serving all stations to Tralee.

Iarnród Éireann spokesman, Mr Barry Kenny, said no end to the disruptions was in sight but the company was in contact with train driver's unions to urge them to use their influence to bring the action to an end.

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The dispute concerns pay, rosters and the introduction of a new service on the Maynooth line.

The drivers have withdrawn co-operation from roster arrangements, in place until September to cater for the introduction of new drivers, by refusing to work any extra shifts on their rest days.

The disruptions could extend to other services at the weekend and into next week if the action continues, Mr Kenny said.

Mr Tony Tobin of SIPTU, which represents about half the drivers concerned, said the union is making every effort to resolve the problem as soon as possible.

Neither SIPTU or the National Bus and Railworkers Union (NBRU), which represents the remaining drivers, support unofficial action.

Tomorrow the services expected to be affected are the 7 a.m. train from Tralee to Heuston, 8.30 a.m. train from Heuston to Tralee, the 9.15 a.m. train from Tralee to Cork and Hueston, 1.48 p.m. and 4 p.m. Mallow to Tralee trains; and the 6.35 p.m. Hueston to Tralee train.