Tipperary commuters face rail chaos as strike looms

Irish Rail insists the door remains open for talks on everything but the planned pay cuts but unions aren't for budging.

If the row escalates then it will hit fans across the Premier County planning to travel by train to the All Ireland on September 7th.

Thurles Railway Station is one of the busiest in the country but come Sunday it will be empty – which Vice President of Thurles Chamber of Commerce John Butler says will discommode a lot of commuters.

Members of the National Bus and Rail Union and SIPTU are engaging in a 48-hour work stoppage over Labour Court-backed pay cuts.

They're also threatening to hold two 24 hour stoppages on the days of both All Ireland finals next month- which could badly hit Tipp Hurling fans who are planning to take the train to Croker to see the Premier county take on Kilkenny.

In all three rail lines which pass through Tipperary will be effected – The main Cork to Dublin route -taking in Thurles, the Limerick to Ballybrophy route, with stations at Birdhill, Nenagh, and Cloughjordan and the Waterford to Limerick Junction line which takes in Carrick on Suir, Clonmel, Cahir, and Tipp Town.

Irish Rail's Chief Executive will return from holiday early tomorrow to lead the company's response to the strikes

Spokesperson Barry Kenny says Irish Rail is open to talks – but the pay cuts must go ahead.

However the National Rail and Bus Union says there is no chance of calling off the strike – General Secretary Dermot O'Leary insists the company hasn't been available for talks.

Given its proximity on the main Cork to Dublin Line – Thurles will be worst hit by the strike – and Vice President of the local Chamber John Butler says in turn that could impact on the local economy.