Waterford farmers urged to ‘Dial Before You Dig’

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 is expected to attract thousands of farmers, contractors and rural businesses.

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, with transmission pipelines crossing the lands of 68 landowners in Waterford.

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