Mayo farmers urged to ring gas network before carrying out groundworks

With farmers from across Ireland preparing to attend the National Ploughing Championships next week (September 15 to 17), Gas Networks Ireland is using the event to put gas pipeline safety firmly on the agenda, urging Mayo farmers and landowners to ‘Dial Before You Dig’ before carrying out work that involves excavation.

The call comes as new figures show that two instances of potentially unsafe activity near gas transmission 1 pipelines were recorded in Mayo during 2025.

Encouragingly, no instances have been recorded in Mayo so far in 2026, but Gas Networks Ireland is reminding farmers and landowners that checking for underground infrastructure before starting work is an important step in keeping people safe.

There are almost 250 kilometres of gas pipeline in Mayo, serving over 1,400 homes and businesses with gas transmission pipelines running through the land of more than 300 landowners across the county.

Gas Networks Ireland will be at the National Ploughing Championships to speak directly with farmers, landowners and contractors about the importance of checking for the location of underground gas pipelines before breaking ground.

For farmers and landowners, 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.

There has however been an encouraging increase in people using Gas Networks Ireland’s dial before you dig service. In 2025 over 37,000 requests were made nationwide – an increase of almost 40% on 2024.

Gas Networks Ireland’s head of health, safety and quality, Paul O’Brien said:

“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's dial before you dig service provides information, advice and maps on the gas pipeline network. If you’re planning or undertaking any excavation work, it is essential to 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 here.

To bring the safety message to life, Gas Networks Ireland will have a ‘Dial Before You Dig’ tattoo parlour, 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 reminder to always check the location of underground gas pipes before breaking ground.

Gas Networks Ireland will be located at Stand 153, Row 8, Block 4 at The National Ploughing Championships. Farmers, contractors and families can visit across all three days of The Ploughing to learn more about gas pipeline safety, renewable energy and the future of Ireland’s gas network.

For more information, visit here.