Gas Network Ireland 'unlikely to be impacted' amid severe snow and ice

As Ireland experiences a drop in temperature with snow hitting several counties, Gas Networks Ireland has issued a statement to their customers.

Gas Network Ireland would "like to reassure its 725,000 customers that it does not anticipate any disruption to gas supplies."

"Ireland’s gas network is one of the safest and most modern gas networks in the world and with the added security of its 14,725km of pipeline being underground, it is unlikely to be impacted by adverse weather conditions," the company has added. 

While the gas network has said "all works are currently scheduled to take place as normal" their teams will "assess conditions locally and may defer some work if required for safety reasons."

Scheduled customer appointments 

Gas Networks Ireland has said that all customer appointments will proceed as planned but conditions will be regularly reviewed.

If appointments need to be rescheduled due to safety concerns, affected customers will be contacted directly, according to Gas Network Ireland. 

Gas Networks Ireland is providing the following safety advice for cold weather conditions: 

• Using central heating with frozen water pipes 
• Gas central heating systems should continue to operate even if water pipes have frozen. Operating your boiler at a low setting during very cold weather can help prevent water pipes from freezing. 
• If you can control your central heating and domestic hot water circuits separately, continue using your central heating but avoid using the hot water circuit until water supplies are restored.
• For combi boiler users, the central heating should operate normally, but the hot water system, typically fed directly from the mains, will not function until the water supply is restored. 

READ NEXT: EXPLAINER: When is it too cold to work as Ireland braces for -10 degree snow blast?

Gas appliances during power cuts 

During a power cut, gas supplies and your gas meter should continue to operate as normal, according to the gas network.

According to Gas Network Ireland, gas appliances may be affected as they rely on mains electricity for items such as pumps, fans, electronic controls and so on, so in the event of a power outage they may not operate until the power is restored.   

When the power is restored, gas appliances should operate as normal, but some boilers may need to be reset.  This is normally something that can be done by the customer themselves at the boiler control panel and some boilers have the resetting instructions visible on the boiler, the gas network added.   

Gas Network Ireland advises that if your boiler or other appliances are not working after power has been restored and cannot be reset, please contact a Registered Gas Installer –  on https://rgi.ie/

Avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning with Gas Network Ireland Advice:

Never run generators or other petrol or diesel equipment indoors, under cover or close to access points in the property such as doors, windows or ventilation points.  

Never use barbeques, patio heaters or other outdoor fuel burning equipment indoors or under cover. If your power is off, it might be tempting to find alternative means of cooking and heating, but these appliances can produce large amounts of carbon monoxide and should only ever be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area.   

Never use an indoor cooking appliance to try and heat a room. If you’re lighting a fire in the grate, make sure your chimney has been swept and isn’t blocked and ensure the room is properly ventilated. 

In November, gas played a pivotal role in Ireland’s electricity supply generating over half (51%) of the country’s electricity needs.

— Gas Networks Ireland (@GasNetIrl) December 19, 2024

Emergency contact information 

If you smell gas at home or on the street, please call Gas Networks Ireland’s 24-hour emergency line immediately at 1800 20 50 50. 

For inquiries, please email networksinfo@gasnetworks.ie, or call 1800 464 464 (Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, or Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm). 

More information

www.gasnetworks.ie/severe-weather