It's emerged that the CEO of Irish Rail is on holiday ahead of a nationwide strike starting on Sunday.
The National Bus and Rail Union begins four days of planned work stoppages with a 48-hour work strike this Sunday, in a row over pay cuts.
Work stoppages are also scheduled on September 7 and September 21, which will coincide with the GAA All-Ireland hurling and football finals at Croke Park - the biggest dates on the annual sporting calendar.
This morning, Irish Rail spokesperson Barry Kenny confirmed that CEO David Franks is on holiday, five days before the first of the strikes:
