A tattoo parlour will be one of the main features of Gas Networks Ireland stand at this year's National Ploughing Championships 2026.

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).

This 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.

Each tattoo is designed to deliver the safety message, along with an important reminder: before carrying out any excavation work, always check for the location of underground gas pipes.

According to Gas Networks Ireland, the experience will "bring the free Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) service to life", and highlight the maps, guidance and expert support it provides to farmers, landowners and contractors. 

Awareness

The national gas network said that in 2025, more than 37,000 requests were made its 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 excavation job.

Head of health, safety and quality at Gas Networks Ireland, Paul O’Brien 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.

"The Tattoo Parlour is a fun way of bringing that message to life.”

Ambassadors

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 feature a ‘Biomethane Area’, which is dedicated to showing how renewable biomethane gas will help Ireland meet climate targets; a family zone; and competitions and prizes.  

Farmers, contractors and families can visit Gas Network Ireland's stand Stand 153, Row 8, Block 4 across all three days of the Ploughing Championship to learn more about gas pipeline safety, renewable energy and the future of Ireland’s gas network. 

Get all the information you need for Ploughing 2026 in our dedicated Ploughing supplement.