Dial before you dig at the National Ploughing Championships

Gas Networks Ireland will ink a safety message at the forthcoming National Ploughing Championships with a 'Dial Before You Dig' Tattoo Parlour.

The state utility is to use temporary tattoos to share a permanent gas pipeline safety message.

Alongside the tattoo parlour, Gas Networks Ireland will be highlighting the potential of biomethane for farmers.

The organisation will be literally making its mark at the National Ploughing Championships which will take place in Screggan, Co Offaly, from September 16 to 18, with a bold tattoo-themed activation.

The initiative will be 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.

At the heart of the stand will be the 'Dial Before You Dig', Tattoo Parlour, where visitors will be able to choose from a range of striking temporary tattoos - one of which was designed by Heartbreak Social Club, artist Ryan Kelly.

Each eye-catching tattoo will carry Gas Networks Ireland’s core safety message and provide a vital reminder to always check the location of underground gas pipes before breaking ground. 

A spokesperson for GNI said the activation will highlight the importance of the free Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) service, which provides maps, guidance and expert support to farmers, landowners and contractors before starting any excavation work.

“We want this safety message to stick,” said Paul O’Brien, Head of Health, Safety and Quality at Gas Networks Ireland.

“Striking a gas pipeline can cause harm, disruption or even worse," he added.

"A quick check with our ‘Dial Before You Dig’ service by phone, email or online is a vital step that helps keep everyone safe.” 

Gas Networks Ireland has also teamed up with social media personality James Doyle, who is supporting the campaign as a safety ambassador. 

James, who has over 1.4 million TikTok followers, will appear at the stand on Tuesday, September 16, to encourage visitors to get ‘tattooed’ and learn more about Dial Before You Dig.

Commenting ahead of the event he said: “It’s a bit of fun with the tattoos, but the message is serious – always check before you dig."

"It can save lives and prevent major damage," he said.

Beyond safety, Gas Networks Ireland’s stand will also bring the future of energy to life.

Moving Ireland’s Energy Showcase will be a dedicated zone showing how renewable biomethane gas will help Ireland meet climate targets, while creating new revenue streams for farmers. 

A live 3D printer will build a model anaerobic digestion plant across the three days

In addition on the Talks Stage there will be daily sessions featuring safety demonstrations, farming innovators and renewable energy experts.

There will also be a family zone including a sandpit and child-friendly tattoo designs to keep younger visitors entertained, while reinforcing the safety message.

Visitors will also be able to compete in various competitions for great prizes and they will be able to take part in a treasure-hunt quiz across the stand and be in with a chance to win prizes.

Gas Networks Ireland’s Biomethane Programme Manager, Padraig Fleming said: “Biomethane presents a real opportunity for Irish farming - new income for farmers, lower emissions for the country and stronger rural circular economies.” 

 Gas Networks Ireland will be located at Stand 186, Row 8, Block 3. 

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: https://www.gasnetworks.ie/ploughing