Mark Gleeson
26-02-2008, 10:45
CHRIS ASHMORE and TIM O'BRIEN
ONGOING DISRUPTION to Iarnród Éireann services as a result of industrial action is set to be exacerbated by service restrictions at Heuston station, over coming weeks.
Concern about deteriorating passenger services was expressed yesterday by the passenger body, Rail Users Ireland. This came after it emerged that the unofficial union action is set to clash with service restrictions as part of the €400 million Kildare Route Project. The scheme aims to establish four lines between Dublin and Kildare but the company said weekend disruption could be expected due to necessary engineering works.
Last weekend the unofficial action spread from the Dublin to Cork and Kerry lines, affecting routes to Sligo and Belfast.
The dispute involves drivers refusing to operate expanded services in Iarnród Éireann's new timetable, as part of a wider dispute over long-term efficiencies.
Talks took place yesterday between Iarnród Éireann management and Siptu and NBRU representatives in a bid to resolve differences about train drivers' weekend rosters but the process was said to be ongoing.
Over the weekend, many passengers arrived at stations only to find that services had been cancelled, rescheduled or replaced either partly or entirely by buses.
The bulk of the alterations were on the Dublin-Connolly to Sligo and Dublin-Connolly to Belfast routes. Services on the Cork to Dublin-Heuston line and between Mallow and Tralee were also disrupted.
The introduction of a new timetable - with an increase in the number of trains being run - has led to some difficulties with train crew rosters. Drivers at a number of depots have decided not to work their scheduled rest days.
Mark Gleeson of Rail Users Ireland claims there is a shortage of drivers.
Iarnród Éireann spokesman Barry Kenny admitted that absences were not being covered at some depots and that some drivers have been operating the old weekend rosters rather than those set out under the 2008 timetable.
He denied that there was a shortage of drivers. However, he acknowledged that there was a "potential for impact" on passenger services if the situation was not resolved.
© 2008 The Irish Times
ONGOING DISRUPTION to Iarnród Éireann services as a result of industrial action is set to be exacerbated by service restrictions at Heuston station, over coming weeks.
Concern about deteriorating passenger services was expressed yesterday by the passenger body, Rail Users Ireland. This came after it emerged that the unofficial union action is set to clash with service restrictions as part of the €400 million Kildare Route Project. The scheme aims to establish four lines between Dublin and Kildare but the company said weekend disruption could be expected due to necessary engineering works.
Last weekend the unofficial action spread from the Dublin to Cork and Kerry lines, affecting routes to Sligo and Belfast.
The dispute involves drivers refusing to operate expanded services in Iarnród Éireann's new timetable, as part of a wider dispute over long-term efficiencies.
Talks took place yesterday between Iarnród Éireann management and Siptu and NBRU representatives in a bid to resolve differences about train drivers' weekend rosters but the process was said to be ongoing.
Over the weekend, many passengers arrived at stations only to find that services had been cancelled, rescheduled or replaced either partly or entirely by buses.
The bulk of the alterations were on the Dublin-Connolly to Sligo and Dublin-Connolly to Belfast routes. Services on the Cork to Dublin-Heuston line and between Mallow and Tralee were also disrupted.
The introduction of a new timetable - with an increase in the number of trains being run - has led to some difficulties with train crew rosters. Drivers at a number of depots have decided not to work their scheduled rest days.
Mark Gleeson of Rail Users Ireland claims there is a shortage of drivers.
Iarnród Éireann spokesman Barry Kenny admitted that absences were not being covered at some depots and that some drivers have been operating the old weekend rosters rather than those set out under the 2008 timetable.
He denied that there was a shortage of drivers. However, he acknowledged that there was a "potential for impact" on passenger services if the situation was not resolved.
© 2008 The Irish Times