Poor hygiene practices at Tallaght Hospital have put patient and visitor at risk of infection.
The findings was made by the Health, Information and Quality Authority.
A surprise inspection was carried out in two wards at the hospital in July
The inspectors found that items of patient equipment in frequent use were unclean and posed an danger of transmission of infection from patient to patient.
It warned of a possible risk to the health and welfare of patients, visitors and staff.
HIQA also found that the compliance rate among staff for hand hygiene training was low.
The hospital is now reassuring patients about safety standards.
It says it reacted quickly after the problems were identified.
