Residential care workers and night supervising staff at the Oberstown youth detention centre have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action due to safety concerns.
The IMPACT and SIPTU trade unions, which represent the staff, say both staff and residents are exposed to the risk of violent assault on a daily basis.
The Oberstown campus currently caters for 48 residents under the age of 18, including young offenders and criminals with multiple convictions for serious offences.
The industrial action is likely to include work stoppages, during which emergency cover will be provided.
In a statement, IMPACT said there were more than 100 violent incidents in the centre last year, almost half of which were classed as critical.
Critical assaults and injuries necessitated a total of 3,005 employee sick days, involving 65 staff members.
IMPACT Assistant General Secretary Tom Hoare said staff voted for industrial action to try and improve the safety of people on the ground at Oberstown.
He said the safety of the institute itself was now in question.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Hoare said the centre worked well for a considerable period of time when it dealt with those under the age of 16.
However the service has been expanded to include 16 to 18-year-olds.
He added that the entire complex is badly designed and the units in operation have proven to be a risk to staff and offenders.
Mr Hoare said that essential services will be maintained during any action.
The campus manager at Oberstown has said he is disappointed with the outcome of the ballot.
In a statement, Pat Bergin said he will continue to be available to staff representatives to address their concerns.
