Iarnród Éireann has criticised trade unions representing DART drivers for withdrawing from discussions at the Workplace Relations Commissions.

Management and unions had been due to attend talks tomorrow aimed at averting industrial action over a new 10-minute service due to be introduced on April 10.

Both SIPTU and the NBRU have withdrawn from the negotiations however, saying that they will not discuss rosters without a discussion about pay also.

The move has been described by Iarnród Éireann as “deeply regrettable”.

DART drivers have already been balloted for strike action in the event the company introduces the new timetable.

Pay claims have also been lodged at Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus.

“Refusal to cooperate in a roster change associated with a new timetable is deeply regrettable, as it is through our timetable that we provide our customers with the services they require,” Iarnród Éireann stated.

“We have trained additional drivers to deliver the increased frequency within existing rostering parameters.

“Indeed, it is notable that during the recession, when DART frequency was reduced, roster and timetable changes were accepted without issue, but as we seek to restore DART services in line with demand our trade unions refuse to engage with the company.

“Iarnród Éireann remains in an extremely difficult financial position and we will only emerge from this by ensuring our business can grow in line with demand and through meeting our customers’ requirements.

“We will review how best to proceed to ensure we can meet those requirements at the earliest possible opportunity.”