Gas Networks Ireland welcomes the conclusion of court proceedings in relation to a gas meter tampering case at a property in Casement Drive, Dublin 11, heard before Dublin District Court.
At a hearing on 23 June 2025, the defendant entered a guilty plea to offences relating to the unlawful interference with a gas meter and the dishonest diversion of gas supply, contrary to the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Acts.
The Court heard that the interference resulted in gas flowing without being properly registered, creating a serious safety risk to both the property and the surrounding community.
At the initial hearing, the Court indicated it was prepared to apply the Probation of Offenders Act 1907, subject to certain conditions, including the payment of a charitable donation and a contribution towards costs.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Networks Safety Manager, Tommy Lee, said:
“This verdict sends out an important message to the public that meter tampering is a serious crime with potentially deadly consequences. Theft of gas is a very serious issue, but far more serious is the risk to life that meter tampering poses to the perpetrator and to people nearby.
“We are working to end unlawful interference with gas meters and the dangers associated with this activity.”
Due to the dangers involved, gas meter tampering is a criminal offence with possible fines of up to €5,000 and prison sentences of up to six months for those found guilty of the crime.
Gas Networks Ireland has been actively engaged in identifying and making safe installations where tampering has been found and has detected approx. 4,000 cases of meter tampering across the country since 2013.
By law, only Gas Networks Ireland representatives and registered gas installers are authorised to work on gas meters and pipework. It is illegal to ask, pay or allow someone else to tamper with a gas meter.
“The dangers involved in allowing someone who is not registered and qualified to do the work, are very real,” Mr Lee said.
“Anyone who either interferes with a gas meter themselves or agrees to allow someone who is not a registered gas installer to work on their gas installations is risking their own life, those of their family, and of people living nearby.”
Members of the public are asked to report any suspicions of gas meter tampering to Gas Networks Ireland in strict confidence by calling 1800 464 464.
Further information is available at www.gasnetworks.ie/metertampering.