The Transport Minister says he has no more money left for Irish Rail and that the financial situation of the company is very serious.

Leo Varadkar says he does not want to have to consider line closures and redundancies, but adds that cost savings have to be made.

Dozens of rural lines could be at risk of closure because they are so under-used.

A cost-cutting plan at the firm was rejected by unions.

Iarnrod Eireann says the savings targeted in the proposals are essential to secure the financial viability of the company.

The company says each week that passes without these savings being secured costs the company an additional €100,000.

The Transport Minister has said lines would be closed because many services would "no longer be sustainable".

He is hoping Irish Rail will not go bust in the next couple of years.