Emergency numbers in Ireland

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Save 112 and 999

   Call 112 or 999 if someone is seriously ill, injured or at risk of dying, if there is a fire, if a crime is happening now or anyone is in immediate danger, or for help at sea or on the coast (ask for the Coast Guard). The operator will ask which service you need and where you are.

2. 2

   Step 2: Register for emergency SMS if you need it

   If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, you can register for the 112 SMS service, which lets you text 112 in an emergency. Text messages are not real-time, so delivery is not guaranteed.

3. 3

   Step 3: Save the support helplines

   • Samaritans: 116 123, volunteers answer calls from anyone who is struggling.
   • Pieta (suicide and self-harm crisis): 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444; available 24/7.
   • Women's Aid (domestic abuse): 1800 341 900, 24-hour national freephone.
   • Childline (ISPCC): 1800 66 66 66, free 24-hour line for children and young people.
   • Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111, to give confidential information about crime.
4. 4

   Step 4: Save the utility emergency lines

   • Gas Networks Ireland (gas leaks): 1800 20 50 50
   • ESB Networks (electricity network incidents, such as fallen lines): 1800 372 999 or +353 21 2382410
5. 5

   Step 5: Know the non-emergency options

   • For non-emergency police matters, contact your local Garda station; the Garda website has a station directory.
   • In Dublin city, Dublin City Council's out-of-hours line for council emergencies is 01 222 3150, and dangerous buildings can be reported 24 hours a day on 01 222 3155. Always call 112 or 999 for a fire or if someone is seriously ill or injured.
   • For non-urgent medical problems, contact your GP.

Costs at hospital

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Calling 112 or 999 for non-urgent matters that your local Garda station or GP can handle.

Tips

• Learn your full address and Eircode (Irish postcode). Call-takers ask for the exact address and Eircode of the incident, and you should not assume they know your location.
• Save the numbers in your phone and write them down for children, visitors and anyone who does not have a phone.

Official links

In your plan

• Save the emergency numbersAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 6 Apr 2027.