One of the country's busiest emergency departments is urging people to stay away unless absolutely necessary.
Dublin's Beaumont Hospital says it's instigating a number of measures to combat difficult conditions being experienced by patients and staff - due to overcrowding.
The facility is asking patients to contact their GP before coming to the hospital and is asking those with minor injuries to attend the Mater's injury clinic.
Management are also asking GPs not to send patients to the ED except in the case of emergency.