- More than 37,000 requests were made to Gas Networks Ireland’s Dial Before You Dig service last year, representing a significant 37% increase from 2024.
After last year’s success, Gas Networks Ireland will be making its comeback at The National Ploughing Championships 2026 (15–17 September, Screggan, Co. Offaly) with its Dial Before You Dig tattoo activation. The activation forms part of a wider stand experience designed to raise awareness of gas pipeline safety, while showcasing the role renewable biomethane gas is playing in Ireland’s farming future.
At the heart of the stand, is the Dial Before You Dig Tattoo Parlour which will invite visitors to choose from a range of striking temporary tattoos, two of which are designed by prominent Dublin-based tattoo artist Ryan Kelly (aka The Pirate), founder of Heartbreak Social Club
Each new tattoo is designed to deliver a powerful safety message, along with an important reminder: before carrying out any excavation work, always check for the location of underground gas pipes. The activation will bring the free Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) service to life, highlighting the essential maps, guidance and expert support it provides to farmers, landowners and contractors.
In 2025, more than 37,000 requests were made to Gas Networks Ireland’s DBYD service, representing a significant increase from 2024. This highlights the growing awareness of the service and the importance of checking for underground gas pipes before starting an excavating job.
Paul O’Brien, Head of Health, Safety and Quality at Gas Networks Ireland, said: “We’re seeing more farmers, landowners and contractors using Dial Before You Dig to check what lies beneath their land before they begin work, which is a really positive step. Our message at the Ploughing this year is simple: make checking for underground infrastructure part of the job from the very start and the Tattoo Parlour is a fun way of bringing that message to life.”
To help raise awareness of the DBYD service, Gas Networks Ireland has partnered with media personality Samantha Maureen Heaney (Sammy TV) and comedian Mary-Claire Fitzpatrick, who are serving as safety ambassadors for the campaign.
Beyond safety, Gas Networks Ireland’s stand will also bring the future of energy to life:
- Biomethane Area – a dedicated zone showing how renewable biomethane gas will help Ireland meet climate targets, while creating new revenue streams for farmers. As part of this, consumers will also find a LEGO® Brick installation created by Jessica Farrell, a LEGO® Brick Artist.
- Family Zone – including a sandpit, a digger and child-friendly tattoo designs to keep younger visitors entertained, while reinforcing the safety message.
- Competitions and Prizes – visitors can take part in a treasure-hunt quiz across the stand and be in with a chance to win prizes.
Gas Networks Ireland will be located at Stand 153, Row 8, Block 4 at The National Ploughing Championships. Farmers, contractors and families can visit across all three days of The Ploughing to learn more about gas pipeline safety, renewable energy and the future of Ireland’s gas network. ®
For more information, visit: https://www.gasnetworks.ie/ploughing
