CRU secures prosecution for carrying out illegal gas works

The CRU) prosecuted Oliver Williams for carrying out illegal gas works and falsely claiming to be a registered gas installer (RGI) at Loughrea District Court which resulted in convictions. 

Oliver Williams of Moyleen, Loughrea, Co. Galway, received criminal convictions at Loughrea District Court on 23 January 2025 for illegally carrying out gas works on a campervan while not being a registered gas installer. He was also convicted of falsely portraying himself in a manner likely to suggest he was an RGI while not being registered with the RGI scheme. Mr Williams pleaded guilty to four offences pursuant to the Electricity Regulation Act 1999.  

Evidence was heard at Loughrea District Court from the CRU of the dangerous condition that the pipework was in after Mr Williams removed a gas heater from a campervan. The Court was told by the CRU’s Gas Safety Officer that pipework that originally fed the gas heater was left open at the end creating the potential for gas to be released into the campervan which could have led to a gas explosion. The court also heard evidence that a video had been posted to Facebook of Mr Williams carrying out gas works demonstrating how to repair a gas heater. 

Judge Deirdre Gearty commented that this was an extraordinarily dangerous situation, and that this prosecution emphasised the importance of only RGIs carrying out such gas works. Judge Gearty imposed criminal convictions against Mr Williams for all four offences and total fines of €1,000 were imposed. Judge Gearty also awarded a contribution to the CRU’s costs in the sum of €1,000. 

The successful prosecution emphasises the requirement by law for all gas installers to be registered with the RGI scheme when carrying out domestic gas works, which includes work on domestic appliances in leisure accomodation vehicles (LAVs), such as campervans.  

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 by scheme inspectors. 

The penalties for non-compliance 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 Commissioner, 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”.