Cork Landowners Urged to Check for Underground Gas Pipes Before Digging

Cork recorded 28 dangerous incidents involving underground gas pipelines in 2024, prompting Gas Networks Ireland to intensify their safety campaign as the National Ploughing Championships begins tomorrow.

With 1,974 kilometres of underground gas pipelines snaking beneath Cork's landscape, Gas Networks Ireland is urging landowners and contractors to always use their free 'Dial Before You Dig' service before breaking ground on any excavation work.

The warning comes as new figures reveal Cork experienced 11 encroachments on gas transmission pipelines and 17 accidental third party hits to gas distribution pipelines last year. These incidents highlight the very real dangers lurking beneath Cork's fields and streets.

Paul O'Brien, Head of Health, Safety and Quality at Gas Networks Ireland, explained the severity of the risks:

"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."

The good news is that awareness is growing. Cork generated 2,790 requests to the 'Dial Before You Dig' service in 2024, representing a 22% increase from 2022. However, with Gas Networks Ireland operating 1,694 kilometres of gas distribution pipelines and 280 kilometres of gas transmission pipelines across the county, serving over 89,000 homes and businesses through 735 landowners' properties, officials believe many more checks are needed.

O'Brien added:

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

Gas Networks Ireland is taking their safety message directly to the farming community at the National Ploughing Championships, which runs from tomorrow until Wednesday at Screggan, County Offaly. Their stand will feature a unique "Dial Before You Dig" tattoo parlour offering temporary tattoos designed to reinforce the safety message.

Social media personality James Doyle, who boasts over 1.5 million TikTok followers, will appear at the stand tomorrow to promote the campaign. Doyle said:

"It's a bit of fun with the tattoos, but the message is serious – always check before you dig. It can save lives and prevent major damage."

The initiative takes on particular significance in Cork, where farming operations regularly intersect with the county's extensive gas infrastructure. Gas transmission pipelines, often up to a metre in diameter and operating at pressures up to 85 bar, act as motorways for the gas network. Meanwhile, distribution pipelines function like local roads, delivering gas at lower pressures through towns, cities and residential areas.

An encroachment includes any activity, structure or deep-rooted vegetation that may interfere with pipeline operation, safety or accessibility, including building construction, fence installation or excavation within pipeline corridors.

For Cork farmers, contractors and landowners planning any excavation work, the message is simple: a free phone call to 1800 42 77 47, an email to dig@gasnetworks.ie, or registering online at www.gasnetworks.ie/dbyd could prevent a potentially catastrophic accident.

Gas Networks Ireland will be at Stand 186, Row 8, Block 3 throughout the three-day event, offering safety demonstrations, renewable energy information and family-friendly activities alongside their tattoo parlour.