Farmers and contractors across Ireland must check for underground gas pipelines before beginning drainage, fencing, excavation, or other groundworks, according to a joint safety reminder issued by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and Gas Networks Ireland. The advisory highlights that even relatively small agricultural projects can pose a risk when the location of underground services remains unknown.
Free Maps and Safety Guidance Available
To prevent accidents and infrastructure damage, Gas Networks Ireland operates the free Dial Before You Dig service. According to Gas Networks Ireland, the service provides maps detailing the location of gas infrastructure alongside practical advice for safe working methods. Property owners can utilize these materials prior to undertaking tasks like deep excavation, forestry work, clearing ditches, installing or fixing drains, or putting up gate and straining posts.
IFA President Francie Gorman stated that checking in advance helps prevent accidents, delays, and damage to important infrastructure. Similarly, Gas Networks Ireland Head of Health, Safety and Quality Paul O’Brien warned that damage to natural gas pipelines could interrupt supplies, cause serious disruption, and create a safety risk.
Risks of Relying on Marker Posts Alone
Landowners are strongly advised against relying solely on pipeline marker posts visible along roadsides or property boundaries. According to safety guidance issued by Gas Networks Ireland, these posts do not always show the exact route of a pipeline through a field. Furthermore, posts can be moved or damaged, and pipelines may change direction underground. Farmers should obtain official maps rather than assuming a pipeline continues in a straight line between markers.
The protocols additionally advise that individuals ought to check with Gas Networks Ireland beforehand rather than changing surface elevations, putting stored items on top of pipeline paths, or setting up trees near a pipeline wayleave.
Eight Pipeline Safety Steps for Agricultural Work
Gas Networks Ireland outlines eight specific safety measures for agricultural and forestry operations:
- Standard farming tasks such as subsoiling, tilling, and ploughing down to a maximum depth of 300mm typically do not call for a permit.
- Get in touch with Gas Networks Ireland ahead of doing excavation work, cleaning ditches or drains, or setting up and fixing drainage systems.
- Check before installing gate posts or straining posts within a pipeline wayleave.
- Keep the depth of the earth over a pipeline unchanged, avoid piling goods directly above the line, and refrain from lowering or raising the ground level.
- Never assume a pipeline follows a straight path between marker posts.
- Seek advice before planting trees close to a pipeline wayleave.
- Reach out to Gas Networks Ireland prior to starting cultivation, road building, harvesting, drainage, or any other forestry activities near a wayleave.
- Where required, a Gas Networks Ireland representative can visit the site free of charge to identify the pipeline route and advise on suitable working methods.
Farmers, landowners, and contractors can access maps, information, and assistance by contacting the Dial Before You Dig service at 1800 42 77 47 or by emailing dial@gasnetworks.ie.