What is gas?

Gas is a fossil fuel – a non-renewable energy source.​​

Natural gas is mainly methane. It's lighter than air, non-toxic in its natural state and generates energy when burned.​ ​

Gas is colourless, odourless and shapeless in its pure form. For safety, a smell is artificially added to gas.​​​

Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) operate and maintain the gas system in the Republic of Ireland (ROI).

Over half a million homes and businesses in Ireland are connected to natural gas. This gas is only available where the network goes.​​

Gas pipelines must be buried underground for safety, and the high cost of extending this infrastructure is one reason the service is not available in many rural areas.​

Some suppliers offer gas off-grid by installing an LPG tank which uses liquid petroleum gas.