Both sides involved in talks over a potential strike at Irish Rail say theyÂ’ are hopeful that a deal can be reached.

Irish Rail, the National Bus and Rail Union and SIPTU are meeting at the Workplace Relations Commission this afternoon.

The dispute centres around past productivity for workers at the company.

A rail strike has been organised for Friday morning during rush hour between 6am and 9am.

General Secretary of the NBRU Dermot OÂ’Leary says they'Â’re not looking for public sympathy just what they feel is owed to drivers.

Director of HR with Irish Rail Ciaran Masterson says he believes they can reach a deal to avoid a strike.