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Emergency Preparedness · 30 August 2026

How to make a clear emergency call

112 and 999 both work in Ireland. What you say in the first minute helps responders reach you faster.

In Ireland, both 112 and 999 connect you to the emergency services, free of charge, from any phone. The operator will ask which service you need: Gardaí, ambulance, fire or Coast Guard.

Location first

Give the clearest location you can: an Eircode, a townland, a landmark, a trail name or the coordinates shown on your phone's map app.

Stay on the line

Answer the operator's questions and follow their instructions. Keep your phone switched on and nearby afterwards in case they need to call back.

General safety information only. In an emergency in Ireland, call 112 or 999.