Finglas man fined after being convicted of gas meter tampering

Gas Networks Ireland has released a statement following the verdict in a case relating to the unlawful interference with a gas meter at an address on St Margaret’s Road in Finglas.  

On Monday, November 21 Mr Edward Mongan was convicted at Dublin District Court under Section 15 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995 on three charges of unlawful interference with a gas meter and dishonestly using or causing gas to be diverted.

The court heard that Gas Networks Ireland had carried out an investigation at the property in September 2022 and found the gas meter in situ had been unlawfully tampered.

Mr Mongan did not appear in court on November 21, but Judge Anthony Halpin proceeded given that Mr Mongan had been successfully served with the summons.

Judge Halpin, having heard the evidence from Gas Networks Ireland, convicted Mr Mongan under section 15(2), 15(3) and 15(6) of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995 as amended by Section 5 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012.

Mr Mongan was fined €500 in respect of count 2, namely unlawful interference with an article owned by Gas Networks Ireland, pursuant to Section 15(3) of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995 as amended.

Gas Networks Ireland’s Networks Safety Manager, Owen Wilson, said the verdict “sends out an important message to the public that meter tampering is a serious crime with potentially deadly consequences.

“Fraud 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,” he says.

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.

By law, only Gas Networks Ireland representatives and registered gas installers are authorised to work on natural gas meters and pipework.

It is illegal to ask, pay or allow someone else to tamper with a gas meter.

“Rogue contractors can make seemingly attractive offers, but the dangers involved in allowing someone who is not registered and qualified to do the work, are very real,” Wilson said.