Gas Networks Ireland says it welcomes the conviction of an individual for the unlawful interference with a gas meter at a property on Trim Road, Coolock, Dublin 5.
The conviction was secured at Dublin District Court on 27 April, where the individual was found guilty of offences under Section 15 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995.
The court heard that Gas Networks Ireland carried out an investigation at the property in September 2025.
This investigation revealed that the gas meter had been illegally tampered with, leading to the incorrect recording of gas consumption.
Following the presentation of evidence by Gas Networks Ireland, Judge Anthony Halpin described the offence as serious, noting that the interference had the potential to result in a gas leak.
In respect of the offences listed on the summons under Section 15 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995, as amended by Section 5 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012, Judge Halpin made the following orders:
- The individual was convicted of dishonestly using, or dishonestly causing gas to be diverted, contrary to Section 15(2) of the Act, and was fined €300 and ordered to pay €900 in costs to Gas Networks Ireland.
- A conviction was also recorded for unlawfully interfering with an article owned by or operated by the Distribution System Operator, contrary to Section 15(3) of the Act, with the offence taken into consideration.
- In addition, the individual was convicted of failing, as a registered gas consumer, to take all reasonable steps to ensure that unlawful interference with the gas meter was discontinued, contrary to Section 15(6) of the Act, with the offence taken into consideration.
Gas Networks Ireland reiterates that gas meter tampering is illegal and extremely dangerous, posing serious risks to life, property, and the wider community.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Networks Safety Manager, Tommy Lee, 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 4,000 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 Lee 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.”
Members of the public are asked to report any suspicions of gas meter tampering to Gas Networks Ireland in strict confidence by calling 1800 464 464.