Illegal Gas Work Conviction and €4,500 Fine for Former RGI
The CRU secured a prosecution against Tim Wilson, 30 River Valley, Minane Bridge, Co. Cork, for carrying out illegal gas works and falsely claiming to be a Registered Gas Installer after his registration was terminated
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) Ireland’s independent energy, energy safety and water regulator, secured a prosecution against a former Registered Gas Installer (RGI) by the name of Tim Wilson of 30 River Valley, Minane Bridge, Co. Cork for carrying out illegal gas works and falsely claiming to be an RGI whilst terminated from the scheme.
Judge Philip O’Leary heard evidence from the CRU’s Gas Safety Officer stating that the works related to two separate properties. The two installations in question were deemed as being immediately dangerous and posing significant risks to the occupants and the general public which required immediate isolation.
Judge O’Leary convicted Mr Wilson in his absence of all ten offences, imposed fines totalling €1,500 and ordered him to pay prosecution costs of €3,000, all payable to the CRU.
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 non-domestic settings, and those in leisure activity vehicles (LAVs).
There are approximately 3,000 Registered Gas Installers (RGIs) in Ireland. By using an RGI, consumers can have confidence that they are dealing with a trained contractor 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 by RGI Scheme Inspectors on an annual basis.
The penalties for non-compliance for those caught undertaking the works include a fine of up to €50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 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 Chairperson, 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. The CRU will continue to pursue such cases against individuals and companies who do not observe the legal requirements for undertaking gas works.”