The result of a ballot of Irish Rail staff is due later.

They are voting on a Labour Court recommendation that aims to settle the pay dispute at the company.

The ruling recommended a 7.5% pay increase over three years.

This would translate to an increase of 2.5% each year.

These would come into effect on December 1st 2017, December 1st 2018 and December 1st 2019.

It is also recommended that staff receive a once-off €500 voucher before the end of the year.

The Labour Court intervention followed a series of 24 hour rail strikes. However future strike days planned were suspended in order to ballot members on the deal.

Workers had wanted a pay rise of 3.75% a year for the next three years, but management said that is not sustainable.

They offered a 1.75% rise this year and negotiations on any further increases.

Union sources say they are expecting a positive result.

Additional reporting: Tom Swift