The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) have overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action in protest over pay and staffing shortages.
In an announcement made on Tuesday evening, the INMO said 95% of its members balloted on the prospect of holding a series of 24 hour stoppages voted in favour of industrial action.
The INMO say they do not want to hold strike action, but they have been left with no option as low pay combined with serious staff shortages has led to patient care being compromised.
It is expected the union will meet on January 7th and 8th to schedule dates for strike action.