The Health Minister James Reilly has said it does not make sense for nurses in Limerick to continue their industrial action.
Talks between unions and management at the Mid Western Regional Hospital broke down last night as the row over conditions and overcrowding escalates.
Nurses will meet later to decide their next move.
Mr Reilly said he is taking action to resolve the problems in the hospital through a Special Delivery Unit, meaning any industrial action is "pointless".