Dublin conviction for gas tampering

Gas Networks Ireland says it welcomes the verdict in a case relating to unlawful meter interference at a property in Cushlawn Park, Tallaght.  

On 1 September, an individual associated with this address was convicted in Dublin District Court under Section 15 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995.

The defendant did not appear in court, but Judge Paul Kelly was satisfied to proceed in their absence.

The court heard that Gas Networks Ireland had carried out an investigation at the property in April 2025 and found an unauthorised meter installed at this premises, which was damaged internally, preventing consumption from being recorded on the meter.

Judge Kelly, having heard the evidence from Gas Networks Ireland, convicted the individual under section 15(3) and 15(6) of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995 as amended by Section 5 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012.

A fine of €500 was issued for unlawful interference with an article owned by or operated by the Distribution System Operator. A further fine of €500 was issued for failing to take all reasonable steps to ensure that such interference was discontinued, as the registered consumer of gas. Court costs of €500 were also issued to Gas Networks Ireland, with three months to pay all penalties.

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 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 Lee added.

 “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.”