Updated 20.00

With less than 48 hours to go before train drivers are due to strike there is still no sign of a breakthrough to avert the action.

Irish Rail management and unions representing train drivers are locked in talks in a bid to find a solution in the dispute over pay.

Unions say they want compensation for past productivity - however the company says it's loosing over one million euro each month.

At this stage all train services will come to a halt on Friday morning from 6 o'clock for three hours.

Negotiations to try and avert industrial action on Friday adjourned shortly before 5am on Wednesday morning, with no agreement.

The NBRU said that it agreed to re-enter talks this afternoon as one final attempt to resolve the issues.

But it has described the past six days at the Workplace Relations Commission as long and frustrating, adding that the union's commitment is not being matched by the company.

The row centres on payment for past productivity.

Drivers also plan to down tools in a second day of action on November 6th.