Gas Networks Ireland has welcomed the verdict in a case relating to unlawful meter interference at a property in St Michael’s Lawn, Mahon, Cork.
On 25 June, the individual associated with this property pleaded guilty to the offence and was convicted in Cork District Court under Section 15 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995.
The court heard that Gas Networks Ireland had carried out an investigation at the property in December 2024 and found the gas meter had been unlawfully tampered with, preventing consumption from being recorded on the meter.
Judge Joanne Carroll having heard the evidence from Gas Networks Ireland convicted the individual under section 15(3) of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995 as amended by Section 5 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012.
Commenting that this was a “very serious matter”, the individual was “getting gas they were not paying for” coupled with the safety risk to the neighbourhood, Judge Carroll imposed a three-month prison sentence which was fully suspended for 12 months.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Networks Safety Manager, Owen Wilson, 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 over 2,900 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.
“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,” Mr Wilson said.
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.