Farmers Urged To Dial Before You Dig As Cork Records Highest Rate Of Gas Pipeline Encroachments

Ahead of the National Ploughing Championships, Gas Networks Ireland is urging farmers and landowners to "Dial Before You Dig" after new figures showed Cork has the highest rate of gas pipeline encroachments in the country.

Ten instances of potentially unsafe activity near gas transmission pipelines were recorded in Cork during 2025, with a further four incidents recorded between January and August 2026. When measured against the length of the county's gas transmission pipeline network, Cork has the highest rate of encroachments in Ireland.

Cork has almost 2,000 kilometres of gas pipeline running through the city and county, with around 90,000 homes and businesses connected to the gas network. Gas transmission pipelines run through the land of 735 landowners and farmers in the county.

There were also 86 accidental third-party hits to gas distribution pipelines in Cork during 2025. While distribution pipelines operate at lower pressures than the transmission network, damage to underground gas infrastructure can still have serious consequences.

Gas Networks Ireland says activities such as ditch clearing, drainage work, excavation, fencing and other groundworks can bring machinery close to underground infrastructure. Checking the location of gas pipelines before work begins is an important step in keeping people safe and protecting the gas network. Gas Networks Ireland will be at the National Ploughing Championships to speak directly with farmers, landowners and contractors about pipeline safety.

There has been an encouraging increase in people using the Dial Before You Dig service nationwide, with over 37,000 requests made in 2025, an increase of almost 40% on 2024.

Paul O'Brien, Head of Health, Safety and Quality, Gas Networks Ireland:

"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 will be at the National Ploughing Championships, running from 15 to 17 September 2026 at Screggan, Co. Offaly, to speak directly with farmers, landowners and contractors about pipeline safety. The stand is located at Stand 153, Row 8, Block 4, and will include a "Dial Before You Dig" Tattoo Parlour offering temporary tattoos carrying the safety message, alongside a Biomethane Area and a Family Zone.

Anyone planning or undertaking excavation work can 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.