SIPTU and NRBU members at Irish Rail will be balloted for industrial action in a long running dispute over working conditions at the company.

It is after talks broke down at the Work Place Relations today.

In a statement this evening SIPTU say the decision to ballot drivers was made after Irish Rail management refused to engage in a talks process recommended by the Labour Court.

SIPTU Organiser Paul Cullen explains: “We were supposed to be discussing a document that was issued on the foot of a Labour Court recommendation on terms and conditions for locomotive drivers.

“Discussions were supposed to take place over the last two days, the company now have put a pre-condition on the table in that they require training to be carried out by nine drivers on the DART before any discussion takes place.”