Limerick farmers warned to ‘dial before you dig’ after nine gas pipeline scares last year

Limerick has recorded one of the highest numbers of gas pipeline encroachments in Ireland, according to new figures.

Now, Gas Networks Ireland is urging farmers and landowners across the county to check the location of underground pipelines before carrying out digging or excavation work.

The warning comes as almost 29,000 homes and businesses in Limerick are connected to the gas network, with more than 600 kilometres of gas pipeline running across the city and county.

There were nine potentially unsafe incidents near gas transmission pipelines last year and a further four already recorded in 2026.

There were also 25 accidental third-party hits to gas distribution pipelines in Limerick during 2025.

Gas transmission pipelines cross the land of more than 400 Limerick landowners, meaning farmers carrying out routine work such as ditch clearing, drainage, fencing or excavation could be working close to underground infrastructure.

Farmers and contractors are now being urged to check before digging by calling 1800 42 77 47 or using Gas Networks Ireland’s Dial Before You Dig service.