As Gas Networks Ireland engages in one of the most significant periods of operational and strategic change in its history, an unwavering commitment to safety remains its guiding principle. Every decision, every project and every transition is grounded in safety, says head of health, safety and quality Paul O’Brien.
“We have a very strong safety track record,” he says. “We’re extremely proud of that. It’s underpinned by proactive risk management, rather than reliance on after the fact measures. Historically, safety was often viewed as a compliance or policing function. Our emphasis is now on anticipating risk and strengthening the systems that prevent harm.”
The organisation doesn’t define success as “hours without an incident”, that’s a lagging indicator, he adds. Instead, it focuses on creating the conditions for safe work, strong reporting and early intervention. Good safety performance is the outcome of good systems, behaviours and decision making. “Everyone embraces the culture and safety is embedded in everything we do. It is a shared responsibility across the organisation and we believe there is no job so important that it can’t be done safely. Everyone is empowered to speak up or say stop if something doesn’t feel right.”
That culture will be critically important as Gas Networks Ireland prepares for a more complex energy future which will see the organisation deliver new infrastructure, integrate renewable gases and support Ireland’s journey toward a net-zero gas network, all while protecting its people, the public and essential national assets.
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“Our network includes Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man and we are delivering infrastructure at a scale not seen in decades, while also preparing for net zero,” he says. “Last year, we safely delivered over €200 million in capital expenditure and that investment figure will increase in 2026. That investment underpins our ambition to develop the gas network and ensure it remains among the most modern and resilient in Europe as we transition to net zero. We are ready to integrate biomethane at scale and are preparing for a green hydrogen future.”
The Climate Action Plan sets an ambitious target of 10 per cent biomethane on the network by 2030. “We are currently constructing the new biomethane centralised gas injection facility at Mitchelstown and also have several biomethane direct connection projects that will be delivered this year. As the gas network evolves to support renewable gases, new technologies, new infrastructure and changing demand our approach to safety evolves with it.”
Innovation plays an increasingly significant role in safety with the organisation utilising aerial drone inspections, satellite imaging and enhanced monitoring systems to bolster risk management efforts.
“Digital modelling allows us to visualise what projects will look and feel like before we go out on site,” says O’Brien. “This allows us to identify risks earlier in the project life cycle. We are also running a pilot project to use satellite technology to monitor our pipelines. Satellite imagery can identify unauthorised encroachments by third parties on the network almost in real time and helps us to mitigate risk even more effectively.”
A key component of the organisation’s proactive safety model are its five national public safety campaigns, covering gas escapes, carbon monoxide awareness, registered gas installers (RGIs), accidental pipe damage and meter tampering.
“Safety is not optional, it’s essential. Our commitment to safety isn’t confined to our own workforce,” he says. “Our national safety campaigns are about prevention, awareness and empowering people with the right information. These campaigns are designed to protect lives, homes and communities. Gas Networks Ireland is widely recognised for its safety messaging, with independent research placing it ahead of its peers in spontaneous public recall as an organisation that promotes safe use of fuel or appliances.”
The Gas Escapes campaign communicates the steps the public should take if they smell gas at home or on the street and promotes the Gas Networks Ireland 24/7 gas emergency service. “The key message is to contact us on 1800 205050. We will respond to any reports of gas leaks regardless of the supplier involved. Last year we responded to more than 14,000 publicly reported gas escapes. If you smell gas, call Gas Networks Ireland.”
The Dial Before You Dig campaign is aimed at preventing accidental damage to underground gas pipes by building contractors and other third parties. “It emphasises the importance of contacting us on 1800 427747 or e-mailing us at dig@gasnetworks.ie to get advice, information and up-to-date maps before breaking ground. We also have an award-winning online platform where people can access maps any time, day or night – gasnetworks.ie/dig. Our pipeline inspectors may oversee, inspect and approve work conducted near high-pressure transmission pipelines. This is a free service and our aim is to keep our network safe, and help keep everybody working around it safe.”
RGIs are the accredited technicians appointed by Safe Energy Ireland and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to work on gas installations and maintenance. Gas Networks Ireland runs the RGI advertising campaign on behalf of the CRU to promote the importance and requirement to only use an RGI to undertake work on gas and LPG appliances.
The Meter Tampering campaign communicates the dangers of illegal interference with gas meters and offers people a means of reporting concerns about meter tampering in their area. “Illegal meter tampering comes with potentially deadly consequences,” he points out. “Anyone aware of it should contact Gas Networks Ireland immediately.”
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a risk when any fuel is burned, not just natural gas, O’Brien notes. “The advertising campaign promotes awareness of the causes, signs, symptoms, prevention and protection measures that people need to take to reduce this risk. People can get further information on the carbonmonoxide.ie dedicated website.”
At the centre of all of this is Work Safe Home Safe, Gas Networks Ireland’s safety culture programme that strengthens behaviours, reinforces accountability and ensures that safety is embedded in the organisation’s transformation plans.
“Work Safe Home Safe was originally launched in 2015,” O’Brien says. “The concept is pretty simple; it’s to ensure that everyone works safely and goes home safely every day. Safety has always been at the heart of Gas Networks Ireland, but we are now faced with new challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing energy landscape. As a result, last year we decided it was the right time to refresh Work Safe Home Safe to reflect Gas Networks Ireland today and provide us with a platform for the future.”
Among the key aims of Work Safe Home Safe are to ensure Gas Networks Ireland has best-in-class safety management systems that protect its people, assets and the public as well as to empower employees to own safety and make safety decisions confidently.
These are achieved through a variety of activities and initiatives including, empowering people to speak up, promoting proactive reporting, scenario-based learning to bring safety conversations to life, innovative communications, embracing learning and continuous improvement, as well as working with delivery partners that are fully aligned on safety expectations.
“We engage in strategic partnerships, with high quality delivery partners, that share our safety and quality values,” O’Brien says. “Our shared safety culture was brought to life last year when one of our delivery partners was driving past a construction site which had nothing to do with them, but they knew it was close to a high pressure gas pipeline. They called in to ask the digger driver if they knew where the gas pipeline was and if they contacted Dial Before You Dig. It turned out they hadn’t. That proactive intervention meant a potentially very serious incident was prevented. That was one of many proactive safety actions taken by our delivery partners that was recognised at our Above and Beyond awards.
“We are on a significant transformation journey as we move towards net zero with new infrastructure, new technologies and new gases,” he says. “The one constant in all of that is safety. The energy transition will only succeed if it is delivered safely, and that’s exactly how we approach it.”
