The retail chain Debenhams has applied for examinership in a move which could put some jobs at risk.
The chain employs more than 1,400 people at its eleven stores in the Republic of Ireland, which will remain open and continue trading.
In a statement to the stock exchange, the company said its Irish units had been running losses, in part because of high overheads, including rental costs.
The company is seeking court protection while it restructures its Irish businesses, and says it aims to retain as many jobs as possible.