Gas Networks Ireland has welcomed the verdict in a case relating to the dishonest use of gas at a property in Cromwellsfort Road, Walkinstown, Dublin 12.
On 1 December 2025, an individual associated with this address was convicted in their absence at Dublin 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 June 2025 and found an unauthorised meter installed at this premises, which was damaged internally, preventing consumption from being recorded on the meter.
Judge Halpin imposed a €200 fine for the offence of dishonest use of gas, which is in violation of Sections 15(2) of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995 as amended. Costs of €800 were also allocated to Gas Networks Ireland.
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.”
This is one of several convictions secured this year for unlawful gas meter interference. Individuals in Tallaght and Ballymun in Dublin received fines of €1,500 and €1,000 respectively.
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 about 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.
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.
