Dublin-Cork rail link to improve

Train services between Dublin and Cork will improve significantly today, despite the continuing unofficial action by the Irish…

Train services between Dublin and Cork will improve significantly today, despite the continuing unofficial action by the Irish Locomotive Drivers' Association.

Five trains will operate from Dublin to Cork, and four from Cork to Dublin, according to an Iarnrod Eireann statement last night.

The dispute between the ILDA and the company enters its 10th day today with no immediate prospect of a resolution. Most Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Tralee services were cancelled yesterday.

The company said the improved Dublin-Cork service was the result of a change in rosters rather than any improvement in the industrial relations climate. Only one train will operate from Dublin to Tralee today, at 8.30 a.m. The only train from Tralee to the capital will leave at 9.30 a.m.

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Three trains will operate from Dublin to Limerick today at 10.05 a.m., 5.20 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Trains will run from Limerick to Dublin at 6.45 a.m., 7.45 a.m. and 2.25 p.m. All services between Dublin and Galway will operate except the 6.05 p.m. commuter train to Athlone, Co Westmeath.

There will be a curtailed Arrow service, with trains leaving Heuston for Kildare at 9.05 a.m., 11.45 a.m. and 1.39 p.m. Trains will leave Kildare for Heuston at 10 a.m., 12.50 p.m. and 2.33 p.m.

Iarnrod Eireann has warned customers to check in advance of travelling. ILDA members have refused to work their rostered duties under new arrangements agreed by Iarnrod Eireann with SIPTU and the National Bus and Rail Union. Iarnrod Eireann says it will not negotiate with the association as it "cannot lawfully act as a union".

Full details of services affected by the dispute are available from 1850 366 222 from 6 a.m. and on www.irishrail.ie

Roddy O'Sullivan

Roddy O'Sullivan

Roddy O'Sullivan is a Duty Editor at The Irish Times