The Irish consulate in Hong Kong is to close its doors on Wednesday amid ongoing protests in the region.
However an e-mail address associated with the consulate will remain active.
Irish citizens needing support should contact Hongkong@dfa.ie.
In a series of tweets, the consulate says: "Given the protest related violence in the vicinity of the offices of the consulate this week and the prognosis for further protests in Central, it has been decided to close the office on Wednesday 13 November."
"Irish citizens are reminded to be vigilant and are strongly advised to avoid areas where protests and unplanned public gatherings are taking place."
1. Given the protest related violence in the vicinity of the Offices of the Consulate this week and the prognosis for further protests in Central, it has been decided to close the office on Wednesday 13 November.
Irish citizens needing support should contact Hongkong@dfa.ie
— Ireland in Hong Kong (@IrelandinHK) November 12, 2019
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs says: "The office of the Consulate General of Ireland is located in the Central Business District of Hong Kong.
"The access roads to the building have been the centre of protest-related violence in recent days and tear gas has been deployed in the vicinity.
"The safety of the staff and customers of the consulate is a priority for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
"Therefore, given that there have been further calls for protests in this vicinity on Wednesday 13 November, it has been decided that the offices will remain closed on that day".
It adds that the situation on the ground "is fluid" and the matter will be kept under review.
The move follows an escalation of protests in the territory.
On Monday, a protester was shot by police in Hong Kong.
The protester was shot as demonstrators blocked subway lines and roads during the morning commute in the eastern part of the island.
In a video posted on Facebook, the protester - dressed in a black lycra suit - approaches the police officer as he corners another protester.
The first protester was shot at close range and was later seen lying in a pool of blood.
Elsewhere a man who confronted protesters and asked "You are all not Chinese" was set on fire.
While several injuries were reported after a policeman appeared to deliberately ram his motorbike into a crowd of people during a citywide protest.
The violence is the latest in protests which have lasted since June.
Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam said the violence had far exceeded the call for democracy and that demonstrators are now the "people's enemy".
