The suicide prevention charity Samaritans has informed volunteers of proposals that may see a reduction in the number of branches that the organisation operates in the UK and Ireland.
The move by Samaritans includes both Ireland and the UK, and it is understood that any approved changes will impact UK branches first.
There are 24 branches of the Samaritans in Ireland at present, with 16 of these located in the Republic.
It is understood that plans for future operations in the years ahead could see some of the existing branches being scaled up, while others may cease to operate.
The Samaritans was established in Ireland in 1961 with an aim of providing a listening service and reducing the amount of people that die by suicide in Irish society.
In 2024, the Samaritans answered over 450,000 calls and emails in the Republic which saw volunteers answering a call every minute on average.
According to the BBC, the organisation's chief executive, Julie Bentley, said in a presentation to staff it was "likely that within the next seven to 10 years our branch network will have reduced by at least half".
The BBC said there are concerns the plans to close branches could lead to an exodus of volunteers.
In a statement to the broadcaster, Samaritans said its services were "not sustainable" at its current size.
The statement said: "Samaritans provides a life-saving service, day and night, 365 days a year but the changing needs of our callers and volunteers mean thinking differently about the way our services need to work.
"We are engaging with our volunteers on proposed improvements that will mean we are able to answer more calls, have more volunteers on duty and be there for more people in their darkest moments.
"Samaritans volunteers are hugely dedicated to being there for our callers and they remain at the heart of our service, but it has become increasingly clear that having over 200 branches, varying in size from 10 to 300 volunteers, is not sustainable and hinders us providing the best possible service to people who need us."
The BBC reported the charity's board will vote on the plans at a meeting in September, with the proposed changes potentially commencing in April next year in the UK and in 2027 in Ireland.
Samaritans remains open for callers in need of help while its 24 branches across the island also remain open.
Freephone Samaritans on 116 123 (the number is free from any landline and mobile and does not show up on bills). Email: jo@samaritans.ie
Additional reporting: Cathy Lee
