Advice
How to Find a Registered RGI Plumber in Ireland
TL;DR
RGI (Register of Gas Installers of Ireland) registration is a legal requirement for all gas work in Ireland. You can verify any engineer's registration on the RGII register website. Never allow unregistered work on gas appliances.
What Is RGI Registration and Why Does It Matter?
RGI stands for Register of Gas Installers of Ireland. It is administered by RGII register on behalf of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities. Under the Gas Act 1976 and subsequent regulations, it is a criminal offence to carry out gas installation work in Ireland without being on the register.
This covers all gas work: boiler installation, gas cooker connections, gas fire installation, gas pipe repairs, and anything else involving the gas supply. The requirement protects homeowners from unsafe installations and ensures every gas engineer has met minimum competency standards.
How to Check If a Plumber Is RGI Registered
- Visit the RGII website at www.rgii.ie and use the public search tool
- Search by company name or individual engineer name
- Check the registration is current (not expired)
- Note the categories of work the engineer is registered for, not all registrations cover all gas work
- Ask the engineer for their RGII registration number before any gas work starts
What Happens If You Use an Unregistered Gas Engineer?
- The work is illegal under Irish law
- Your home insurance may be invalidated for any claim related to gas
- Your boiler warranty is voided, manufacturers require registered installation
- You cannot sell the property without disclosing unregistered work
- In the worst case, unregistered gas work can be dangerous
What Other Qualifications Should a Plumber Have?
For general plumbing (water and drainage) there is no statutory registration equivalent to RGI in Ireland, but a qualified plumber should hold a FETAC/QQI Level 6 qualification in plumbing. For tax purposes, check whether the contractor holds a C2 certificate from Revenue, which allows them to receive payments gross of tax deduction. For public liability, ask for evidence of a minimum €2.6 million cover, most professional plumbers carry €6.5 million.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Gas Engineer
- Are you on the RGI register? (Ask for the registration number)
- Is your registration current and does it cover this type of work?
- Do you carry public liability insurance? What is the cover level?
- Will you provide a gas safety certificate on completion?
- Do you have references from similar jobs in this area?
Would you rather Conor handled it?
Boiler Servicing, quoted before work starts.
Advice
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to do your own gas work in Ireland?
Yes. Under Irish regulations, any gas installation, repair, or modification must be carried out by an RGI-registered engineer. This applies even if you are a qualified tradesperson in another area.
What is the difference between a plumber and a gas engineer in Ireland?
A plumber deals with water and drainage. A gas engineer (RGI registered) works on gas pipework and appliances. Many professionals hold both qualifications, like Conor Murphy, but it is worth checking before hiring.
Does RGI registration cover all gas work?
Not always. The RGII register register has different categories including domestic gas, commercial gas, and specific appliance types. Check that the engineer's registration covers the specific work you need.
What is a gas safety certificate in Ireland?
A gas safety certificate documents that all gas appliances and pipework in a property have been inspected and are safe. It is issued by an RGI-registered engineer after a boiler service or installation. Landlords are strongly advised to hold a current certificate for each rental property.
How do I know if a previous owner used a registered gas engineer?
Check whether the boiler installation paperwork, including the gas safety certificate, is with the property documents. If documents are missing, an RGI engineer can inspect the installation and issue a certificate confirming it meets current standards.
Keep reading