CRU secures prosecution for carrying out of illegal gas works

Peter Tsiogas of Beechfield Meadows, Clonee, Dublin, received the conviction at Dublin District Court for charges connected to works he carried out from February 2023 to December the following year. The offences involved carrying out gaswork without being a registered installer, portraying himself as one, and providing false information.

CRU safety officer Shane McMahon said on November 28 last, that he received a call about gas not working at the house in Celbridge. Tsiogas had replaced a boiler a day beforehand, his work was sloppy, and he was unable to perform and demonstrate his understanding of how to conduct checks and testing on the installation. Tsiogas claimed to be a registered gas installer, but a records check showed he had been "terminated" since 2021 and was no longer authorised.

Judge Paul Kelly imposed a four-month sentence, suspended for two years, on the condition that the tradesman not perform any gas installations unless he is registered. He also handed the plumber a €500 fine and ordered Tsiogas to pay €750 in prosecution costs.

The successful prosecution emphasises the requirement by law for all gas installers to be registered with RGI when carrying out domestic gas works. 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.

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.