Irish Rail train drivers are threatening more industrial action unless their hours are cut.

The drivers’ unions are entering talks with management at the Workplace Relations Commission today.

They want their working week brought into line with train drivers in the UK.

Dermot O’Leary of the National Bus and Rail Union says it is time the drivers’ pay and conditions were improved.

Mr O’Leary said: “We’re always optimistic on the trade union side, we always put our best foot forward.

“Our members across Irish Rail haven’t had a pay rise in over eight years.

“Train drivers have been 10 years looking for an improvement in their terms and conditions and again, as was evidenced last October, unless those improvements are forthcoming they will unfortunately have to engage in industrial action again.”