Thousands without phone lines due to major fault

Mobile and landline services – as well as ISDN lines – have been down since just after 10 o'clock this morning. 

Eircom says they haven't yet identified the cause of the problem – which is intermittent – and technicians are working to resolve the issue. 

Dublin Fire Brigade has tweeted to say it has been advised by Eircom that using landlines to contact emergency services may be difficult. 

Childline has also tweeted that children trying to use its service may be experiencing problems. 

Customers can't call the customer care centres – so are being advised to report the fault online.

Director of Corporate Affairs at Eircom Paul Bradley says it's not yet known what the problem is or when it will be fixed.