Hopes have been raised that a nationwide train strike on Friday morning could be averted - as last minute talks will take place today.

Drivers are due to down tools for three hours at the start of the bank holiday weekend.

However management at Irish rail and unions have been called back to the Workplace Relations Commission for last ditch talks this afternoon.

Dermot O'Leary of the National Bus and Rail Union says compensation for past productivity remains the sticking point:

Barry Kenny of Irish Rail says the company's taking a positive approach to the talks.

But he says time is running out to find a resolution: