Talks are continuing at the Workplace Relations Commission in an effort to avert tomorrows planned train strike.

Rail unions say they’re ‘not hopeful at all’ that the industrial action will be will be called off.

Drivers plan to stop work for three hours during rush hour tomorrow morning in a dispute over past productivity.

Paul Cullen from SIPTU says a third party from Irish Rail – who’s not at the talks – is influencing the process from outside the room, but Ciaran Masterson from Irish Rail is standing by how the company is handling the talks.

Tanaiste Joan Burton says she believes there are grounds for an agreement between both sides in the rail dispute.

Irish Rail estimates the three hour work stoppage by train drivers will cost the company around half a million euro.

From the WRC, Helen Vaughan reports....