It has 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, with SIPTU members also striking on Monday 25th. The stoppages come as the result of a row between Irish Rail and the unions 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. This weekend's actions will coincide with the first senior football semi-final between Kerry and Mayo.

Irish Rail has warned that the company faces insolvency if they cannot implement planned cost reduction measures, and that strikes could widen the financial gap.

This morning, Irish Rail spokesperson Barry Kenny confirmed to Newstalk Breakfast that CEO David Franks is on holiday, five days before the first of the strikes, although stresses he is ongoing contact: