Gas Networks Ireland is reminding contractors to 'Dial Before You Dig' during Construction Safety week.

Digging into natural gas pipelines can cause major disruption, serious injury and even death.

Gas Networks Ireland is urging contractors to check the location of the underground gas pipelines before beginning any work. Natural gas pipelines provide essential energy to hospitals, schools, homes and businesses 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Maps locating the gas pipeline network can be accessed instantly on Gas Network Ireland's online 'Dial Before You Dig' mapping service at www.gasnetworks.ie/dbyd/.

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Last year, there were 650 incidents of damage to the low and medium pressure gas distribution networks, mostly in urban and suburban locations. Whilst, this year, the Covid-19 lockdown led to a slowdown in incidents, they have begun increasing again as the construction industry has resumed work.

Owen Wilson, Networks Safety Manager with Gas Networks Ireland, said: "Damaging natural gas pipelines can cause major disruption, serious injury and even death. Gas Networks Ireland's Dial Before You Dig service provides information, advice and maps on the gas pipeline network. All responsible contractors will want to ensure that they are operating a safe site and obtaining maps of underground services is a critical step when planning any excavation. Apart from safety concerns, pipeline damage can also result in unwanted disruption and costs for contractors."