Sixty Three Cases of Potentially Unsafe Activity Near Gas Transmission Pipelines Recorded Last Year – More Than One Per Week
• 24 further instances recorded between January and August 2026
• Landowners accounted for 13 of the 24 incidents recorded so far this year
• Gas Networks Ireland urges farmers to ‘Dial Before You Dig’ and stay safe
• In 2025 there were also 572 accidental third-party hits to gas distribution pipelines
Gas Networks Ireland recorded a total of 63 cases of potentially unsafe activity near gas transmission1 pipelines last year – meaning there was more than one encroachment per week across the network.
Frequent near misses have continued into this year, with a further 24 instances of potentially unsafe activity near transmission pipelines recorded up the end of August. Landowners accounted for more than half of the encroachments this year.
Transmission pipelines carry very large volumes of gas at extremely high pressure and hitting one could have catastrophic consequences. During 2025, there were also 572 accidental third-party hits to gas distribution2 pipelines, which carry gas at lower pressure levels.
With farmers from across Ireland preparing to attend the National Ploughing Championships next week, to put gas pipeline safety firmly on the agenda, urging farmers and landowners to ‘Dial Before You Dig’ before carrying out work that involves excavation.
Gas Networks Ireland will be at the National Ploughing Championships to speak directly with farmers, landowners and contractors about the importance of checking for the location of underground gas pipelines before breaking ground.
Ditch clearing was the most common activity that caused an encroachment, accounting for five of the 24 incidents so far this year while building contractors were involved in seven.
The encroachments recorded so far this year have occurred across the country, with Dublin recording eight, Cork and Limerick four each, Kildare two, and one each in Antrim, Kilkenny, Louth, Roscommon, Westmeath and Wicklow.
For farmers, activities such as ditch clearing, drainage work, excavation, fencing and other groundworks can involve machinery operating close to underground infrastructure. Checking what is underneath the ground before work starts is an important step in keeping people safe and protecting the gas network.
More farmers and landowners are checking before they dig
There has however been an encouraging increase in people using Gas Networks Ireland’s Dial Before You Dig service. In 2025, over 37,000 requests were made – an increase of almost 40% on 2024.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Head of Health, Safety and Quality, Paul O’Brien said:
“There are thousands of kilometres of gas pipelines running underground across Ireland, with the majority of transmission pipelines crossing farmland.
“Our figures show that potentially unsafe activity near gas transmission pipelines continues to occur more than once a week, with ditch clearing the most common activity.
“The good news is that more people are taking the time to check before they dig. We received 37,000 Dial Before You Dig requests last year. We want to see that number continue to grow. Whether you are cleaning a ditch, carrying out drainage work, putting up fencing or using machinery to excavate, Dial Before You Dig before you start work.
“It is a simple step that can help prevent damage to underground infrastructure and, most importantly, help keep people safe.”
Gas Networks Ireland's Dial Before You Dig service provides information, advice and maps on the gas pipeline network. If you’re planning or undertaking any excavation work, it is essential to check for the location of gas pipes by calling 1800 42 77 47, emailing dig@gasnetworks.ie or registering for a Dial Before You Dig Online account at www.gasnetworks.ie/dial
National Ploughing Championships
With so much of the country’s gas transmission infrastructure running under farmland, Gas Networks Ireland is using the National Ploughing Championships 2026 (15–17 September, Screggan, Co. Offaly) as a key opportunity to highlight pipeline safety, with a bold tattoo-themed activation - part of a wider stand experience designed to raise awareness of pipeline safety and showcase the role of renewable gas in Ireland’s farming future.
To bring the safety message to life, Gas Networks Ireland will have a “Dial Before You Dig” Tattoo Parlour, where visitors can choose from a range of striking temporary tattoos designs. Each tattoo carries the core safety message and is designed to be a memorable reminder to always check the location of underground gas pipes before breaking ground.
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: www.gasnetworks.ie/ploughing
1 Gas transmission pipelines are the “motorways” of the gas network transporting large volumes of gas over long distances. Ireland has nearly 2,500 km of gas transmission pipelines crossing the lands of over 5,000 landowners. These pipes are wide in diameter – often up to a metre, operate at very high pressures – up to 85 bar, and typically run cross-country.
2 Distribution pipelines act more like local roads and streets, taking gas from the transmission network and delivering it to over 720,000 homes and business across Ireland. Ireland’s distribution network extends to more than 12,000 km of pipeline. These pipes are smaller in diameter, operate at lower pressures – 4 bar and less, and are laid through towns, cities and residential areas
