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Commuters could be hit with train strikes after talks between unions and Irish Rail broke down.

Unions are tonight balloting for strike action after discussions over pay stalled.

Almost 2,000 of the carrier's workers, represented by trade union SIPTU, have been calling for a 3.75% pay increase, following recent increases given to workers at Dublin Bus and the Luas.

If the strike goes ahead, it’s estimated that up to 155,000 rail passengers every day would be affected.

Speaking ahead of the talks, SIPTU TEAC Division Organiser, Greg Ennis, said: “Irish Rail workers will no longer continue to subsidise the service by what in real terms amounts to ongoing decreases in pay.”

Earlier this year, commuters were plunged into travel chaos when Luas drivers downed tools over several days of industrial action.

The tram operators were followed by Dublin Bus workers, who downed tools until they received a pay increase.