Thousands of Kildare commuters hit by second national rail strike

Rail services around the country are at a standstill today, as Iarnród Éireann staff hold their second 24-hour strike over pay.

DARTs and commuter services are down which is affecting 150,000 commuters.

Staff claim they haven't had a pay rise since 2008 and are calling for a no-strings-attached 11.25% increase over the next three years.

Irish Rail says it can only offer 5.25% with increased productivity.

Management says the average worker is earning €62,000 a year and it cannot meet the wage demand.

The company says that would add 43 million euro to the wage bill and lead the country on the road to insolvency.

Unions warned last week the strike could escalate in the lead up to Christmas and could even stretch into the new year.

Minister for Transport Shane Ross has urged the parties to resolve the dispute through negotiation, but so far there is no sign of any breakthrough that might bridge the gap between the two sides.

However, the Iarnród Éireann insists the union claim would cost €43 million over three years and push the already vulnerable company into insolvency.

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive David Franks has warned staff it could become a prolonged dispute, which would be costly for the company, staff and customers alike.

He has urged unions to return to the Labour Court to resolve outstanding issues, which has been echoed by Minister Ross.

However, there is no sign of any breakthrough and unions have not ruled out an escalation of industrial action in the run-up to Christmas.