Iarnrod Eireann was moving to avert widespread disruption of mainline rail services last night, after a day of what officials called "wildcat action" by drivers.
There was significant disruption of train services in the midlands yesterday. However, a move last night to prevent escalation of the dispute seemed to dampen down the risk of the action widening.
While there is still a threat to services to and from Cork tomorrow, Iarnrod Eireann appears to have avoided wider problems by accepting the right of a new breakaway union for drivers to represent members at disciplinary hearings.
The company is advising passengers to phone 1850 366 222 for information on services.
Hundreds of passengers were taken by bus from Athlone to Dublin yesterday evening because of the dispute that involved the executive secretary of the Irish Locomotive Drivers' Association, Mr Brendan Ogle. Mr Ogle reported for duty yesterday afternoon complaining that he felt stressed and angry because the company had withdrawn his right to represent colleagues at disciplinary and grievance procedure hearings. He claimed he was being victimised.
After he was instructed not to take over the 1.25 p.m. train from Westport to Dublin, other drivers refused to take his place and all services gradually came to halt.
Initially the company reacted strongly, and a spokesman for Iarnrod Eireann condemned the "sudden, unofficial, wildcat action". It rejected Mr Ogle's claims of victimisation.
Last night the dispute seemed set to spread to one of the main Dublin depots at Inchicore, to Dundalk and to Cork. However, at 9 p.m. Mr Ogle received a letter in Athlone station from Iarnrod Eireann stating that he had the same rights as other locomotive drivers. On this basis the industrial action in Athlone stopped.