Management and union representatives at Transdev are cautiously optimistic that agreement can be reached in the Luas dispute.

SIPTU has welcomed the decision by Transdev not to bring in private buses to serve the tram's commuters, but says a lot of work is needed to resolve the wider dispute.

Transdev is pleading with drivers to call off the St Patrick's Day strike, but SIPTU says it is too soon to do that.

Divisional organiser with the union is Owen Reidy.

With less than 48 hours to go until the next planned Luas strike, both sides have returned to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to seek a resolution.

Drivers have reduced their pay claims from highs of 53%, but managing director of Transdev Gerry Madden says they are still too high.

He has also urged drivers to consider the public.