Talks aimed at resolving the ongoing dispute over pay and conditions between Iarnród Éireann and train drivers have broken down at the Labour Relations Commission.

Dermot O'Leary from The National Bus and Rail Union said that tonight's talks ended as a result of an unwillingness on the part of Irish Rail to engage with unions on the productivity element of the agreement brokered on the 3rd of September last year.

He said it was disappointing, adding that industrial action could be on the cards as a result.

Iarnród Éireann said they regret an agreement was not reached but significant losses mean cost saving measures must be made.

In a statement, Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny said: "In a situation where the company continues to lose over €1 million a month, we must ensure that we identify verifiable cost savings through defined productivity measures.

"Any other course of action would renew the threat to the future viability of Iarnród Éireann, job security for all employees, and the services we provide to our customers.

"We regret that agreement was not reached on a process to identify and agree measures which would meet these joint aspirations, but remain available for further discussions."

The breakdown in talks follows a reported increase in the number of violent incidents while the union is also citing fears over the safety of its members on board services around the country.

A further engagement under the auspices of the LRC is planned next month to discuss possible productivity measures for the wider organisation.

And a meeting of SIPTU and the NBRU will now be convened to discuss the ramifications and consequences of the breakdown in talks.

NBRU general-secretary Dermot O'Leary is among the delegates attending the Labour Relations Commission (LRC).

He said he was disappointed by the outcome.