A strike at Irish Rail looks more likely after the company said it will push ahead with cost-cutting measures.

Irish Rail has advised its trade unions and employees that it will implement measures to achieve payroll savings across its workforce from Sunday August 24th.

The proposals had been accepted at ballot by TSSA, TEEU and Unite trade unions.

They involve a temporary foregoing of basic pay ranging from 1.7% for staff earning €56,000 or less, up to 6.1% for those earning over €100,000.

The proposals were rejected by SIPTU and the NBRU.

Writing to employees, Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive David Franks said "It has always been my wish to secure these savings by agreement, and I very much regret we have been unable to achieve this with all trade unions".

"Having reviewed the situation however, I have come to the conclusion that we must introduce these measures to protect the company, our services, and your security of employment" he added.

The corporate communications manager with Iarnród Éireann Barry Kenny explains.

While SIPTU organiser Paul Cullen says he expects the 2,000 SIPTU workers at Irish Rail will go on strike.