The British embassy could be forced to close after staff today threatened to strike over job cuts.
Embassy workers are said to be angry and upset after three Irish employees were sent compulsory redundancy notices.
Union bosses at Unite have sent a letter to Ambassador David Reddaway warning that if the jobs are cut, staff will walk out. Employees at the embassy in Ballsbridge have threatened to picket the offices.
"Everybody thought the embassy was planning for a royal visit, while instead they were getting ready to axe loyal staff," said regional officer Colm Quinlan.
The three Irish workers have a total of 20 years' service between them and deal with UK trade and investment matters in Ireland.
Unite, which represents 40 members of staff at the embassy, has called a general meeting for all employees for Tuesday to discuss the issue.
The Dublin embassy is the only British consular office outside the United Kingdom that recognises trade union membership.
Unite said there has been an agreed set of procedures to deal with issues and disputes since 2003. Mr Quinlan said the action is understood to have originated in London and falls outside the agreed procedures.
PA