The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU ) has prosecuted Padraic Donoghue for carrying out illegal gas works, and falsely claiming to be a registered gas installer (RGI ) at Kilronan District Court.
Donoghue, also known as Padraig O’Donncha, of Chapel View, Inis Oírr, received a criminal conviction and fine at Kilronan District Court, Aran Islands on June 4, 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 a registered installer, according to the CRU, Ireland’s independent energy, safety and water regulator.
Donoghue pleaded guilty to the offences pursuant to the Electricity Regulation Act of 1999.
Judge Brendan O’Reilly commented that this was a very serious matter and, in the circumstances, convicted Donoghue of both offences, and imposed a fine of €100, and costs of €261 payable to the CRU.
Reacting to the case, the CRU’s Chairperson, Fergal Mulligan, said the prosecution emphasises the legal requirement for all gas installers to be registered with RGI when carrying out domestic gas works. This includes work on domestic appliances in non-domestic settings, and those in leisure accommodation vehicles (LAVs ).
“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,” he said.
There are approximately 3,000 Registered Gas Installers (RGIs ) in Ireland, 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 three 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
