Ditch clearing 'most common' cause of gas pipeline breaches
Ditch clearing was the most common activity to cause an encroachment of gas pipelines so far this year, accounting for five of the 24 incidents reported.
That's according to data released today (September 10) by Gas Networks Ireland.
The public body noted that for farmers, activities such as ditch clearing, drainage work, excavation, fencing and other groundworks can involve machinery operating close to underground infrastructure.
It said: "Checking what is underneath the ground before work starts is an important step in keeping people safe and protecting the gas network."
Encroachments
Gas Networks Ireland also noted that 63 cases of potentially unsafe activity near gas transmission pipelines last year.
That means there was more than one encroachment per week across the network in 2025.
Transmission pipelines carry very large volumes of gas at extremely high pressure and hitting one could have catastrophic consequences, the public body said.
Of the further 24 instances recorded up the end of August, landowners accounted for more than half.
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.
Increase in checking before digging
There has been an increase in people using Gas Networks Ireland’s Dial Before You Dig service, the company said.
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.”
O’Brien added that Gas Networks Ireland wants that number to continue to grow.
He said: “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.
Farmers planning or undertaking any excavation work can check for the location of gas pipes by calling 1800 42 77 47, or registering for a Dial Before You Dig online account.
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 as a key opportunity to highlight pipeline safety.
Its stand (Stand 153, Row 8, Block 4) will feature a bold tattoo-themed activatio, designed to raise awareness of pipeline safety and showcase the role of renewable gas in Ireland’s farming future.
The Dial Before You Dig Tattoo Parlour will invite visitors to choose from a range of temporary tattoos, two of which are designed by prominent Dublin-based tattoo artist and founder of Heartbreak Social Club, Ryan Kelly (aka the Pirate).
Get all the information you need for Ploughing 2026 in our dedicated Ploughing supplement.
