SIPTU members in Dublin Fire Brigade have served notice of industrial action due to safety concerns over the introduction of a new call-out and dispatch system.
The union has accused the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage of attempting to impose a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system without consultation.
If there is no resolution of the dispute, the industrial action would commence next week.
It will initially take the form of non-cooperation with the new system but could escalate further.
Members were balloted for industrial action up to and including strike action.
According to SIPTU, members are concerned that the new call-out system will undermine the effectiveness of emergency services in the Dublin area.
SIPTU Dublin Fire Brigade Convenor Luke McCann said the department wants every fire brigade on one national CAD system.
"The problem is this system will only cover fire and rescue calls, not ambulance services," Mr McCann said.
"Its extension to Dublin will have severe consequences, because Dublin Fire Brigade also provides vital ambulance and paramedic services.
"The Fire Based Emergency Medical Service allows fire and ambulance resources to be dispatched simultaneously and provides critical lifesaving care in daily emergencies, including high-profile incidents such as the tragic attack on schoolchildren in Parnell Square in November 2023.
"In that case, paramedics were on site within minutes because a Dublin Fire Brigade resource was nearby. The new system would not allow for this level of response, adding a dangerous new risk factor to the system," he added.
SIPTU Organiser Geoff McEvoy said 97% of Dublin Fire Brigade members, firefighters and officers voted in favour of industrial action.
"This dispute has come about from the complete failure of officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to consult with the frontline experts on emergency service delivery in Dublin," Mr McEvoy said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said the national platform for 999 call taking and mobilising is designed to maximise public safety, underpinned by a resilient architecture.
"The system design enables any fire service 999 call to be mobilised from any of the three Regional Communication Centres," the spokesperson said.
"While Minister Browne has no direct involvement in this dispute, he hopes that Dublin Fire Management and the unions can agree a way forward to enable the full implementation of the new system which brings benefits both in terms of public safety and resilience," the department added.
