A woman angry about the prospect of losing her job as a gatekeeper at a railroad crossing blocked traffic on Ireland's busiest rail line Tuesday. Anne Flavin said she was angry because Iarnrod Eireann, the national rail company, had sent contractors to work on the crossing while she is still in negotiations over her job and house in Kyle, County Tipperary, The Irish Independent reported.

The project includes track upgrades between Glounthaune and Midleton, the installation of a new signalling system and the construction of two new stations. Transport Minister Noel Dempsey turned the first sod at Carrigtwohill today.

By Ferghal Blaney ITS BEEN a long-running saga at the heart of the capitals troubled transport system.

By Petrina Vousden TRANSPORT Minister Noel Dempsey faced widespread ridicule yesterday with news that the integrated ticket system for Dublin, first mooted in the Nineties, will not be in service for another two years.

SWORDS is set to become the biggest town in Ireland and will have a larger population than Limerick city by 2020, according to a new report.