Landowners in Mayo urged to continue to put safety first and always ‘Dial Before You Dig’

With the National Ploughing Championships just around the corner, Gas Networks Ireland is reminding landowners in Mayo to always ‘Dial Before You Dig’ before carrying out any excavation works on their land.

Mayo recorded no encroachments on gas transmission pipelines and no accidental third-party hits to the gas distribution pipelines. The county also saw one of the highest rates of enquiries to Gas Networks Ireland‘s ‘Dial Before You Dig’ showing strong awareness of the importance of checking the location of underground gas pipelines before digging. 

Last year, 479 requests were made to Gas Networks Ireland’s 'Dial Before you Dig' service from Mayo which is an increase of 74% on 2022.

Paul O’Brien, Head of Health, Safety and Quality at Gas Networks Ireland said: “It is encouraging to see more landowners and contractors checking for underground gas pipelines before carrying out works, however, we strongly encourage even greater use of this service, as striking a gas pipeline can cause harm, disruption or even worse. 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 operates 143 km of gas distribution pipelines and 100 km of gas transmission pipelines in the county, crossing the lands of 317 landowners and serving almost 1,500 homes and businesses.

Gas transmission pipelines are the motorways of the gas network transporting large volumes of gas over long distances. Ireland has nearly 2,500 km of gas transmission pipelines. These pipes are wide in diameter, often up to a meter, operate at very high pressures up to 85 bar, and typically run cross-country. 

While distribution pipelines act like local roads and streets, taking gas from the transmission network and delivering it to over 720,000 homes and businesses across Ireland. Ireland’s distribution network extends to more than 12,000 km of pipeline. These pipes are smaller in diameter, operate at lower pressures, 4 bar and less, and are laid through towns, cities and residential areas.

READ MORE: Mayo bakery loved by Goldie Hawn goes global

With so much of the country’s gas infrastructure running under farmland, Gas Networks Ireland is using the National Ploughing Championships 2025 (16–18 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. 

At the heart of the Gas Networks Ireland stand is the “Dial Before You Dig” Tattoo Parlour, where visitors can choose from a range of striking temporary tattoos one of which was designed by Heartbreak Social Club artist Ryan Kelly.  Each eye-catching tattoo carries Gas Networks Ireland’s core safety message and a vital reminder to always check the location of underground gas pipes before breaking ground. 

Gas Networks Ireland has also teamed up with social media personality James Doyle, to promote a highly important safety message. James, who has 1.5 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’. 

James Doyle 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.”

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

• Moving Ireland’s Energy Showcase – 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 
• Talks Stage – with daily sessions featuring safety demonstrations, farming innovators and renewable energy experts 
• Family Zone – including a sandpit and child-friendly tattoo designs to keep younger visitors entertained, while reinforcing the safety message 
• Competitions and Prizes – visitors can 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. 

READ MORE: How does nitrate pollution affect Mayo's rivers and lakes?