Ambulance staff in Waterford have called off planned industrial action pending talks.

Unite members working for the Waterford City and County ambulance service have suspended the action, which was due to start today.

The union says talks with management and a representative of the National Emergency Operations Centre will be held on Thursday.

But it also says the action will recommence "if sufficient progress is not made during those talks".

The dispute centres around what the union says is a failure to resolve issues arising from new procedures - which it believes could undermine patient safety.

Unite regional officer Tony Kelly said: "Our members are determined to ensure that the Waterford City and County ambulance service continues providing the highest levels of service to the public".

"Unite's priority is to ensure and enhance patient safety", Mr Kelly added.