CRU secures criminal conviction and fine for illegal gas works on a domestic property
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) Ireland’s independent energy, energy safety and water regulator, prosecuted Padraic Donoghue AKA Padraig O’Donncha for carrying out illegal gas works and falsely claiming to be a registered gas installer (RGI) at Kilronan District Court, Aran Islands which resulted in a criminal conviction and a fine.
Padraic Donoghue AKA Padraig O’Donncha of Chapel View, Inis Oírr, Aran Islands, Co. Galway, received the criminal conviction at Kilronan District Court, Aran Islands on 4 June 2026 for illegally carrying out gas works in a domestic property while not being a registered gas installer and falsely portraying himself in a manner likely to suggest he was an RGI while not being registered with the RGI Scheme. Padraic Donoghue AKA Padraig O’Donncha pleaded guilty to the offences pursuant to the Electricity Regulation Act 1999.
Judge O’Reilly commented that this was a very serious matter and, in the circumstances, convicted Padraic Donoghue AKA Padraig O’Donncha of both offences and imposed a fine of €100, and costs of €261 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 accommodation 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.