The board of CIE meets today to make a final decision on whether unprofitable freight services at Irish Rail should be closed down.
Some lines in the south east and west have been earmarked for cutbacks because of under use, and a €25m deficit at Iarnrod Eireann.
Unions fear that up to six jobs could go.
Tony Tobin of SIPTU's National Rail Council said the board's actions would have implications for the future.
"If they take the measures they are taking now because they have a shortfall of €25m this year one has to question what will they close next year and the year after.
"It appears that this present board are incapable of running this company and we will have no railway in this country in five to six years time."