Gas Networks Ireland has issued a warning to any person who interferes with a gas metre following a recent court conviction in Ennis.
The company has welcomed a verdict in the case of an Ennis woman who was recently convicted of unlawfully interfering with a gas meter.
The defendant, with an address on the outskirts of Ennis, convicted of the offence by Judge Aeneas McCarthy at Ennis District Court last Friday.
Judge McCarthy issued a fine of €500 and directed the accused to pay costs of €250 for the cost of the damaged meter.
Owen Wilson, Networks Safety Manager for Gas Networks Ireland, said: “This 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”
“Gas customers should only ever allow a Registered Gas Installer (RGI) to work on their gas boiler or gas meter. Rogue contractors can make seemingly attractive offers, but the dangers involved, in letting someone who is not registered and qualified to do the work, are very real. Anyone who agrees to allow someone who is not a registered gas installer to work on their gas installations are risking their own lives, those of their families and of the people living nearby,” Mr Wilson added.
Gas Networks Ireland has detected almost 1500 cases of meter tampering across the country since 2014.
Members of the public are asked to report any suspicions of meter tampering to Gas Networks Ireland in strict confidence by calling 1850 200 694. Further information is available at www.gasnetworks.ie/metertampering.