Waterford farmers urged to 'Dial Before You Dig' ahead of Ploughing

Farmers and landowners across Waterford are being urged to check for underground gas pipelines before carrying out excavation or groundworks, as Gas Networks Ireland highlights several pipeline-related safety incidents recorded in the county. 

The reminder comes ahead of the National Ploughing Championships, which will take place in Screggan, Co Offaly from September 15 to 17, and is expected to attract thousands of farmers, contractors and rural businesses from across the country. 

New figures released by Gas Networks Ireland show that three instances of potentially unsafe activity were recorded near gas transmission pipelines in Waterford during 2025.

The company said there were also 12 accidental third-party strikes on the county's gas distribution network during the same period. 

While no such incidents have been recorded in Waterford so far in 2026, Gas Networks Ireland is encouraging anyone planning excavation works to familiarise themselves with the location of underground infrastructure before breaking ground. 

Waterford is served by almost 350 kilometres of gas pipelines, supplying more than 18,500 homes and businesses across the county. 

In addition, gas transmission pipelines cross the lands of 68 landowners in Waterford. 

Gas Networks Ireland said many routine farming activities can bring machinery into proximity with underground infrastructure. 

Ditch clearing, drainage projects, fencing work, excavation and land improvement pipelines are particularly important. 

The company noted that transmission pipelines carry large volumes of gas across long distances and often pass through farmland. Distribution pipelines, meanwhile, deliver gas directly to homes and businesses through towns and villages. 

Speaking ahead of the Ploughing Championships, Head of Health, Safety and Quality with Gas Networks Ireland, Paul O'Brien, said potentially unsafe activity near gas transmission pipelines continues to be recorded nationwide. 

"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," he said.

"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. It is a simple step that can help prevent damage to underground infrastructure and, most importantly, help keep people safe."

The utility company will be promoting both pipeline safety and renewable gas at this year's National Ploughing Championships. 

Farmers, contractors and landowners planning excavation work can access information, maps and advice through Gas Network Ireland's Dial Before You Dig service before starting any project.