Updated at 1.20pm

A THREE HOUR train strike led to significant problems across the country’s travel network this morning.

Irish Rail is not currently reporting any delays to evening services.

The stoppage ended at 9am, but commuters face another day of headaches if a dispute between drivers and management isn’t resolved.

Drivers have served notice on the company that they will carry out the same action – striking between 6am and 9am on a Friday – two weeks from today on 6 November.

The strike

All rail services – DART, Commuter and Intercity – were affected by the rush-hour strike, which began at 6am after late-night talks between Irish Rail management, Siptu and the NBRU failed to resolve the dispute over drivers’ claims for compensation for past productivity measures.

Bus Éireann provided some additional capacity and Dublin Bus sent its full fleet out.

Traffic volumes were up significantly on most routes however. Problems in Dublin city were compounded by a number of crashes, including one on the south quays. The city-bound bore of the Port Tunnel was also closed for a period due to a broken-down truck.

Refund arrangements

Online customers who were booked to travel during the hours of disruption can use their tickets on any of the following services and no surcharge will apply, Irish Rail says.

• Friday 23rd October, at a later time.
• Saturday 24th October, at any time.
• Or they may submit their ticket for a full refund.

Updated service information is available on www.irishrail.ie. 

Read: Breakthrough in rail dispute unlikely as unions hit out at management

Read: Ireland’s railways could be the next up for privatisation