Gas Networks Ireland has welcomed the verdict in a case relating to dishonest use of gas at a property in Casement Park, Cappagh, Finglas.
On 23 September 2024 last, the individual associated with this address was convicted in their absence at Dublin District Court under Section 15 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995.
The court heard that Gas Networks Ireland had carried out an investigation at the property in April 2024 and found the gas supply had been unlawfully tampered with.
Judge Halpin imposed a €500 fine for the offence of dishonest use of gas, in violation of Section 15(2) of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995 as amended, with an additional offence under Section 15(3) taken into consideration. Costs of €500 were also allocated to Gas Networks Ireland.
The individual has been given three months to pay the total sum of €1,000.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Networks Safety Manager, Owen Wilson, said: “This verdict sends out an important message to the public that meter tampering is a serious crime with potentially deadly consequences.
“Theft of gas is a very serious issue, but far more serious is the risk to life that meter tampering poses to the perpetrator and to people nearby.
“We are working to end unlawful interference with gas meters and the dangers associated with this activity.”
Due to the dangers involved, gas meter tampering is a criminal offence with possible fines of up to €5,000 and prison sentences of up to six months for those found guilty of the crime.
Gas Networks Ireland has been actively engaged in identifying and making safe installations where tampering has been found and has detected over 2,900 cases of meter tampering across the country since 2013.
By law, only Gas Networks Ireland representatives and registered gas installers are authorised to work on gas meters and pipework.
It is illegal to ask, pay or allow someone else to tamper with a gas meter.
“The dangers involved in allowing someone who is not registered and qualified to do the work, are very real,” Mr Wilson said.
“Anyone who either interferes with a gas meter themselves or agrees to allow someone who is not a registered gas installer to work on their gas installations is risking their own life, those of their family, and of people living nearby.”