What to Do If You Smell Gas

  1. Don't turn any electrical switches on or off, including light switches and doorbells - a spark can ignite escaping gas.
  2. Put out any naked flames, such as cigarettes or candles.
  3. Open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
  4. Turn off the gas supply at the meter if it's safe and accessible to do so.
  5. Leave the property and move to a safe distance.
  6. Call Gas Networks Ireland's emergency line on 1800 20 50 50 from outside the property or from a neighbour's phone - don't use a phone in the immediate area of the suspected leak.
  7. If you can't get through, call 999 or 112.

This freephone emergency service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and applies regardless of which energy supplier you're with - Gas Networks Ireland manages the gas network itself, not individual supplier billing.

Don't assume someone else has already reported it. If several neighbours can smell gas, each person reporting it helps the response team confirm the scale of the issue.

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What About Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a different risk from a gas leak - it's an odourless, colourless gas produced when fuel (gas, oil, wood, coal) doesn't burn properly, often from a faulty appliance, blocked flue, or poor ventilation. Because you can't smell it, a working carbon monoxide alarm is essential in any home with gas, oil, or solid fuel heating.

If your CO alarm sounds, or you experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea or breathlessness that improve when you leave the house, ventilate the property, turn off any fuel-burning appliances, leave the building, and seek fresh air immediately. For non-emergency guidance, Gas Networks Ireland operates a dedicated carbon monoxide advice line on 1800 89 89 89 (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-5.30pm). In an emergency, always call 999 or 112.

How to Reduce the Risk

  • Have gas appliances serviced regularly by a Registered Gas Installer (RGI).
  • Install a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of the home, particularly near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances.
  • Never block or cover air vents, even in cold weather.
  • Know where your gas meter and shut-off valve are located before an emergency happens.

For more on choosing and installing a home alarm system, see our guide to choosing an alarm system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Call Gas Networks Ireland's 24-hour emergency line on 1800 20 50 50, regardless of who your gas supplier is. If you cannot get through, call 999 or 112.

Yes, 1800 20 50 50 is a freephone number, staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Don't operate any electrical switches (on or off) near the suspected leak, as this can create a spark. Leave the property and call the emergency line from a safe distance instead.

A gas leak usually has a detectable smell (an odorant is added to natural gas for this reason) and needs an immediate evacuation and call to 1800 20 50 50. Carbon monoxide is odourless and only detectable with a working CO alarm - for CO safety advice, call 1800 89 89 89.

Further Reading