A Cork District Court judge has handed down a three-month suspended prison sentence to a resident of St Michael’s Lawn, Mahon, following a guilty plea to unlawfully tampering with a gas meter at the property.
The case, heard on 25 June 2025, centred on an investigation carried out by Gas Networks Ireland in December 2024. The court heard that inspectors discovered the gas meter had been interfered with to prevent consumption from being properly recorded.
Judge Joanne Carroll, presiding over the case, described the offence as a “very serious matter”, noting that the individual was “getting gas they were not paying for” whilst creating significant safety risks for neighbouring properties. The conviction was secured under Section 15 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995.
The three-month prison sentence was suspended for 12 months, reflecting both the gravity of the offence and the guilty plea entered.
Owen Wilson, Networks Safety Manager at Gas Networks Ireland:
“This verdict sends out an important message to the public that meter tampering is a serious crime with potentially deadly consequences. Theft of gas 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 meter tampering carries potential penalties of up to €5,000 in fines and six months’ imprisonment. The practice poses severe risks, including gas leaks, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning, endangering not just those responsible but entire neighbourhoods.
Since 2013, Gas Networks Ireland has identified more than 2,900 cases of meter tampering across the country. The organisation emphasises that only their authorised representatives and registered gas installers are legally permitted to work on gas meters and pipework.
Owen Wilson continued:
“Anyone who either interferes with a gas meter themselves or agrees to allow someone who is not a registered gas installer to work on their gas installations is risking their own life, those of their family, and of people living nearby.”
Members of the public who suspect gas meter tampering are urged to report their concerns in strict confidence by calling Gas Networks Ireland on 1800 464 464. Further information about the dangers of meter tampering is available at www.gasnetworks.ie/metertampering.