What is the Problem?
Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) must carry out aerial inspections every two weeks on selected high-priority gas pipelines, as part of their responsibility for maintaining the gas transmission network.
These pipelines are marked using wooden posts fitted with white plastic sleeves and caps. The posts help show where pipelines enter and exit land boundaries, acting as markers for farmers and landowners. While the posts do indicate the boundary crossing points, they don’t currently show the direction the pipeline takes across the land from one side to the other.
Many of these posts are placed in or near hedgerows, where heavy vegetation growth can quickly hide or damage them, making them less effective. To deal with this, GNI runs detailed foot inspections every four years, along with vegetation clearance. However, this process is resource-heavy and often needs landowner approval and coordination.
Preferred output
Over the next five years, Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) plans to upgrade or replace its current gas pipeline marker posts, with greater emphasis on visibility from the ground rather than the air.
Any new solution must require minimal maintenance and clearly display key information about the pipeline’s location. GNI is also exploring whether the posts could show the route of the pipeline (including any changes in direction), without interfering with how landowners use their land – such as operating farm machinery.
Deadline:
The deadline for this opportunity 5 June 2025. Please submit your proposal above.
Q&A Registration:
The Q&A for this opportunity will take place on 19 May 2025 at 10.00am. You can register to attend by clicking the button at the top of the page, or directly below. Please pre-submit any questions by 5pm on 15 May 2025 to ensure the smooth running of the meeting.