Farmers in Kildare urged to check pipelines before digging
Two instances of potentially unsafe activity near gas transmission pipelines in Kildare were recorded so far in 2026
Farmers across County Kildare and beyond have been urged to check gas pipelines before carrying out work that involves excavation.
Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) has released the appeal, which is also aimed at landowners, ahead of the 2026 iteration of the National Ploughing Championships.
The call also comes as new figures show that one instance of potentially unsafe activity near gas transmission pipelines was recorded in Kildare back in 2025, with a further two incidents recorded so far in 2026.
GNI explained that, in the context of Kildare, the county has almost 900 kilometres of gas pipeline running through the county, with almost 38,000 homes and businesses connected to the gas network, and gas transmission pipelines running through the land of 154 landowners and farmers.
It also revealed that there were 20 accidental third-party hits to gas distribution pipelines in Kildare reported during 2025.
Although distribution pipelines operate at lower pressures than the transmission network, damage to underground gas infrastructure can still have serious consequences.
GNI’s head of health, safety and quality, Paul O’Brien, pointed out: “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.”
POSITIVE NEWS
Despite this statistic, Mr O’Brien also had some positive news to share: “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, and 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.”
He concluded: “It is a simple step that can help prevent damage to underground infrastructure and, most importantly, help keep people safe.”
TATTOOS
In addition, to further emphasise its safety message, GNI will have a ‘Dial Before You Dig’ Tattoo Parlour at the National Ploughing Championships 2026, where visitors can choose from a range of striking temporary tattoos designs.
“Each tattoo carries the core safety message and is designed to be a memorable reminder to always check the location of underground gas pipes before breaking ground,” GNI added.
The National Ploughing Championships 2026 will take place at Screggan, County Offaly, from Tuesday, September 15, 2026 until Thursday, September 17, 2026, and GNI will be located at Stand 153, Row 8, Block 4.
Farmers, contractors and families are invited to visit GNI’s stand in order to learn more about gas pipeline safety, renewable energy and the future of Ireland’s gas network.
GNI also said that anyone seeking further information about its appearance at this event can visit www.gasnetworks.ie/ploughing.
Anyone who wants to check for the location of gas pipes can call 1800 427 747, email [email protected], or register for a ‘Dial Before You Dig Online’ account at www.gasnetworks.ie/dial.