With ditch and drain clearing now the most common cause of pipeline encroachments on farmland, Gas Networks Ireland’s Niamh Ryan explains how a free phonecall or online check can keep farmers, contractors and the gas network safe.

Niamh is land and consents management manager at Gas Networks Ireland. Along with her team of agricultural liaison officers, she works directly with landowners across the country, helping them safely manage land where a gas pipeline is present.

“We’ve had an increase in encroachments on agricultural lands,” she said. “Lots of excavation happens on land and is routine for most farmers. But that does pose a risk to the gas network.”

Why it matters on the farm

Much of Ireland’s gas network runs through privately owned farmland under way-leave agreements. This means farmers play a key role in protecting the gas network and damage to it doesn’t just affect the pipeline itself; it also puts people and stock at risk and disrupts land use.

“Safety is at the core of everything we do and that extends out to landowners and farmers,” said Niamh.

“Farmers know their land and are well aware of the gas pipeline on it. But you could have a contractor not aware a pipeline is present or a farmer who might take a chance and it’s about trying to prevent that from happening.”

The jobs that need a call first

Normal agricultural work, including ploughing, tilling and subsoiling, does not require you to contact Gas Networks Ireland. Anything that goes deeper or changes the ground within the way-leave does.

“The most common farm activity that would require farmers and landowners to contact the 'Dial Before You Dig' service would be ditch and drain cleaning and that’s where we’re seeing lots of encroachments,” said Niamh. “Also fencing, drainage works, construction of farm buildings and farm roadways.”

The aim, she stresses, isn’t to hold farmers back: “Our aim is not to prevent landowners from improving or developing their farm, but to work with them to ensure works are carried out as safely as possible.”

How 'Dial Before You Dig' works

'Dial Before You Dig' is a free service for farmers, landowners and contractors available through phone, email or through the online portal.

“We provide maps, advice and guidance from the very outset,” said Niamh. “If the type of work you’re doing requires it, one of our agricultural liaison officers will visit the farm and mark out the exact location of the pipeline and offer advice.

“If there’s a need to supervise the works on your land – drainage, for example – our agricultural liaison officers will do that. They’re not there to stop the works, but to ensure they’re done safely. And it’s a free service.”

Understanding the way-leave

Put simply, the way-leave is the agreed strip of land where the pipeline runs across your property.

“The way-leave or easement is a legal agreement between Gas Networks Ireland and the landowner. It allows Gas Networks Ireland to install, operate, inspect, maintain and repair the gas pipeline where needed,” said Niamh.

“A way-leave is normally 14m wide, though this can vary. Within it, landowners should not build or store materials, should not raise or lower ground levels and should check with Gas Networks Ireland before planting trees, installing structures or carrying out any excavation within the way-leave."

Don’t trust the marker posts

A common assumption among farmers is that pipelines follow a neat line across fields, from one marker post to the next – that is not true.

“A misconception is that the pipeline runs in a straight line between marker posts. It doesn’t always run in straight lines,” said Niamh. “Marker posts are only an indicator that a pipeline is in the vicinity. You can't rely on them, as they can get damaged by hedge cutters or overgrown by vegetation.”

It’s also important to keep your contractor in mind and assume they don’t know a pipeline exists on your farm.

Make it part of the planning process

Niamh’s key advice is to include checks for underground pipelines in your routine farm planning. Do it before hiring a contractor and before seasonal works start.

“Now is the time to plan your work and reach out early to Gas Networks Ireland,” she said.

Ultimately, the service protects the farm, the business and the people working on it.

“Lots of these works are routine for farmers,” said Niamh. “It is important to remember that safety comes first, as potential hazards may not always be immediately apparent to landowners.”

If you're planning any digging, drainage or installation work on your land, take a moment to check first with Gas Networks Ireland. It’s simple, it’s free and it helps protect your land and your livelihood.

Always 'Dial Before You Dig' before you break ground.

For more information or to access the free 'Dial Before You Dig' service:

Online: gasnetworks.ie/dig