Louth farmers urged to ‘Dial Before You Dig’

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

The call comes as new figures show that three instances of potentially unsafe activity near gas transmission pipelines were recorded in Louth during 2025, with one further incident recorded so far in 2026.

Louth has over 450 kilometres of gas pipeline running through the county, with almost 27,000 homes and businesses connected to the gas network and gas transmission pipelines running through the land of more than 300 landowners and farmers.

Gas Networks Ireland said that the figures highlight the importance of checking what lies underground before starting work, particularly in rural areas where gas transmission pipelines can cross farmland.

There were also 16 accidental third-party hits to gas distribution pipelines in Louth 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 said it 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. Gas Networks Ireland said that 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 said that 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 [email protected] or registering for a Dial Before You Dig Online account at www.gasnetworks.ie/dial

With so much of the country’s gas transmission infrastructure running under farmland, Gas Networks Ireland is using the National Ploughing Championships 2026 (15–17 September, Screggan, Co. Offaly) as a key opportunity to highlight pipeline safety, with a bold tattoo-themed activation - part of a wider stand experience designed to raise awareness of pipeline safety and showcase the role of renewable gas in Ireland’s farming future. 

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 memorable 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: www.gasnetworks.ie/ploughing