Warning issued to Kildare landowners following gas pipeline incidents

A stern warning has been issued to landowners and businesses in County Kildare following a number of gas pipeline incidents.

The call, which was made by Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), coincides with the this year's National Ploughing Championships. GNI explained that it wanted to use the Championships as a "key opportunity" to highlight pipeline safety.

Specifically, GNI has issued a reminder to Kildare landowners to always 'Dial Before You Dig' before carrying out any excavation works on their land.

According to the organisation, last year, there as one encroachment on gas transmission pipelines in Kildare and five accidental third party hits to the gas distribution pipelines. 

GNI specified that an encroachment refers to "any activity, structure, or deep-rooted vegetation that may interfere with the operation, safety, or accessibility of gas mains and pipelines, including the construction of buildings or fences, near gas pipelines, and excavation or digging within the pipeline corridor".

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Explaining the potential danger of such encroachments and hits, Paul O'Brien, the GNI's head of health, safety and quality, said: "Gas transmission pipelines carry huge volumes of gas at extremely high pressure, like the force of a power washer.

"Distribution pipelines move gas at much lower pressure, closer to the steady flow of a kitchen tap.

"Accidentally striking either can be very dangerous, but damaging a transmission pipe can have catastrophic consequences."

GNI also noted that in 2024, 1,168 requests were made to the organisation's 'Dial Before you Dig' service from Kildare — an increase of 23 per cent from 2022.

Referring to this statistic, Mr O'Brien said: "It is encouraging to see more landowners and contractors checking for underground gas pipelines before carrying out works, however, we strongly encourage even greater use of this service, as striking a gas pipeline can cause harm, disruption or even worse."

He added: "A quick check with our 'Dial Before You Dig' service by phone, email or online is a vital step that helps keep everyone safe."

GNI operates 830 kilometres of gas distribution pipelines and 68 km of gas transmission pipelines in the county, crossing the lands of 154 landowners and serving almost 38,000 homes and businesses.

Anyone seeking to learn more about gas networks throughout Ireland can visit www.gasnetworks.ie/ploughing. 

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