News
Know Your Rights: Non-Geographic Numbers
Question: What are non-geographic numbers?
Answer: A non-geographic number (NGN) is any number beginning with 1800, 1850, 1890, 0818 or 076.
NGNs are used by Irish businesses, charities and other organisations to deliver services like helplines. Calls to 1800 numbers are free. Calls to 1850, 1890, 0818 and 076 numbers cost the same as calling a landline, and are included in ‘call bundles’ that include landline calls. This means that, when you call an NGN, it is either deducted from your bundle, or charged on a per-minute basis.
What is changing?
From January 1, 2022, there will only be two NGN numbers: 1800 and 0818. Organisations using 1850, 1890 or 076 numbers are now updating their contact details.
Why are the changes happening?
Many people avoid calling 1850, 1890 and 076 numbers because they think they are confusing and expensive. ComReg is reducing the number of NGNs to simplify NGNs for consumers.
From January 2022, there will be just two NGNs – 1800 (Freephone) and 0818 (Standard rate). This makes call costs easier to understand.
What happens if I call an 1850, 1890 or 076 number in 2022?
From January 1, 2022, all 1850, 1890 and 076 numbers will be withdrawn from service and you will not be able to use them. You can check an organisation’s website and social media channels for their new contact details.
You can also get information and advice from:
The Citizens Information Phone Service: Call 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).
Our national call back service: Visit citizensinformation.ie/callback to request a phone call from an information officer.
You can contact your local centre by email or phone using the details in the Find a Centre page on citizensinformation.ie.
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During COVID-19, you can find comprehensive integrated information online at citizensinformation.ie/covid19/ and you can get daily updates on what’s changed on Twitter at @citizensinfo.
You can also get information and advice from:
Tralee on Tel: Call 0818 07 7860, Monday – Friday (10am-4pm)
The Citizens Information Phone Service: Call 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am – 8pm
Our national call back service: Visit citizensinformation.ie/callback to request a phone call from an information officer.
End of an era as Killarney dentist Brendan Coffey retires
It marks the end of an era for local dentistry as Brendan Coffey prepares to retire after a 38-year career in Killarney.
Brendan returned from England in 1988, buying a house on New Street from Paddy Doyle and converting it into the Killarney Dental Clinic. The practice officially opened its doors on Friday May 13, 1988.
“As I had started the surgery from scratch, I had no idea when or if my first patient would come,” Brendan said. “I didn’t have to wait long, my neighbour Johnny Healy from Healy’s shop in New Street arrived first thing and gave me my start.”
In a fitting completion of the circle, Johnny is booked in as Brendan’s final patient on Wednesday of this week.
Brendan thanked the community and his former colleagues. “The people of Killarney and all around have been the most wonderful, loyal, and friendly people to have met and have the privilege to treat for the last 38 years,” he said. “I would like to give special mention to my wife Brenda, who acted as a hugely popular practice manager for many years.”
In October 2022, Brendan’s son Jack and his wife Emma took over the practice before expanding the business to a state-of-the-art facility at the Reeks Gateway.
“I feel a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in what the practice has become,” Brendan added. “So, I will sign off by saying: easy on the sweets, give up the fags, and don’t eat for two hours.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for a full story on Brendan’s career.
The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society has officially revealed the Humanitarian Medal and a €3,000 bursary that will be presented to a new recipient in Killarney later this year.
The international award programme is returning this October following a six-year absence, made possible through funding from the Kerry County Council Community Support Programme, the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, and local sponsors.
The public nomination process is now open to individuals, teams, or voluntary organisations providing exceptional humanitarian services at home or overseas.
Submissions must be sent via email to oflahertysociety2008@gmail.com by the closing date of Friday 10th July 2026. Nominations must be written in 500 words or less, detailing why the nominee deserves the honour. Full details are available at www.hughoflaherty.com.
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