Gas Networks Ireland has launched its new pre-excavation safety campaign with the introduction of its new campaign 'ambadgador', known as Keith.

The campaign highlights the importance of safety first, urging individuals to always check for gas pipelines before they break ground. Gas Networks Ireland offers free advice and maps on the gas pipeline network through its service, accessible via phone, email or website.

Since its establishment in 2019, Gas Networks Ireland's safety portal has attracted more than 7,500 registered users and has been accessed over 90,000 times, highlighting its crucial role in advocating for pre-excavation safety. This latest initiative aims to reach builders, architects, engineers, farmers, surveyors and all those intending to undertake substantial digging beneath the surface.

-- Advertisement --

In the campaign, 'Keith' receives valuable education from knowledgeable construction workers, including comedian Joe McGuckan, about the necessity of inspecting underground gas pipelines prior to excavation. The concept illustrates the dangers of digging without proper assessment through the charmingly relatable figure of an anxious badger.

Gas Networks Ireland's Networks Safety Manager, Owen Wilson said: "The importance of checking for underground gas pipelines before starting any excavation cannot be overstated. In 2023, there were over 480 incidents of damage to low and medium pressure gas pipelines in urban areas, and nearly 60 incidents of unauthorised excavation near high-pressure cross-country transmission pipelines.

"The pre-excavation safety campaign has been very successful to date, and we are hoping that the relaunched campaign will rejuvenate awareness about the importance of checking for underground pipelines.

"If there is a high-pressure transmission pipeline near where you plan to work, we can advise on safety requirements and if necessary, we will mark out the location of the pipeline and, for certain locations, provide an inspector to oversee the work. This service is free and designed to ensure your safety and that of those around you."

Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland's national gas network, one of the safest and most modern in Europe. However, a major risk to the network - and to the safety of agricultural and construction workers coupled with the public - is the risk of damage caused by excavation works near gas pipelines.