Limerick man receives criminal conviction and fine for illegal gas works in campervan

THE Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), Ireland’s independent energy, energy safety and water regulator, prosecuted Robert Mulqueen for carrying out illegal gas works at Limerick District Court which resulted in a criminal conviction.

Robert Mulqueen of Amharc Muileann, Bloodmill Road, Limerick, received the conviction at Limerick District Court on March 6 for illegally carrying out gas works on a campervan while not being a registered gas installer. Mr Mulqueen pleaded guilty to the offence pursuant to Section 9G(3) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 as amended.

The Court was told on behalf of the CRU that it received a public complaint that Mr Mulqueen carried out a campervan conversion and never provided a certificate of conformance for the gas works. The Court also heard the severity of the dangerous nature of the illegal gas works carried out by him which resulted in a notification of hazard being issued for the gas installation.

The substandard work included that the gas pipework was kinked and unsupported, and the ventilation was not sufficient to meet the relevant safety standard of IS EN1949. There were also dangerous connections made to the pipework that fed the gas hob, and with the vibration from the vehicle and the frequent removal and replacement of the gas bottle straining this fitting it could have lead to a gas leak into the compartment.

Judge Carol Anne Coolican imposed a criminal conviction against Mr Mulqueen and a fine of €500 was imposed. Judge Coolican also awarded a contribution to the CRU’s costs in the sum of €750 against Mr Mulqueen.

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The successful prosecution emphasises the requirement by law for all gas installers to be registered with RGI when carrying out domestic gas works which includes work on domestic appliances in leisure activity vehicles (LAVs).

There are over 3,000 RGIs in Ireland. By using an RGI, consumers can have confidence that they are dealing with a competent installer who has the required expertise in gas safety to ensure the safe operation of their gas installation. The RGI is insured and a sample of their work is inspected on an annual basis.

The penalties for non-compliance include a fine of up to €15,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years.

Members of the public who wish to report an unregistered individual who has undertaken gas works or has portrayed themselves as a Registered Gas Installer should visit www.rgi.ie.

The CRU’s Commissioner, Fergal Mulligan, said: “If a gas installer does not have the required registration or cannot prove membership of the RGI scheme, consumers should not use them and if they suspect that they are acting illegally, they should report this at www.rgi.ie. This is the second prosecution the CRU has taken recently for illegal gas works which left a campervan in a dangerous situation. The CRU will continue to pursue such cases against individuals and companies who do not observe the legal requirements for undertaking gas works.”