Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s €3bn, 14,725km national gas network, which is considered one of the safest and most modern renewables-ready gas networks in the world.
Almost 725,000 Irish homes and businesses trust Ireland’s gas network to provide efficient and reliable energy to meet their heating, cooking, manufacturing and transport needs.
The gas network is the cornerstone of Ireland’s energy system, securely supplying more than 30% of Ireland’s total energy and over 40% of the country’s electricity generation.
Gas Networks Ireland is aiming to deliver a repurposed, resized and fully decarbonised gas network by 2045. Its “Pathway to a Net Zero Carbon Network” envisions transforming the existing gas network into two separate systems carrying 100% renewable gas, one dedicated to biomethane and the other to green hydrogen, with the potential to carry approximately 30% biomethane and 70% green hydrogen, as well as offering significant long term energy export opportunities.
Gas Networks is an organisation with a very strong legacy and a culture founded on pride in our purpose, to keep Ireland's energy moving, and commitment to our vision, to be at the heart of Ireland's energy future. Our organisational values demonstrate what is important across the organisation including building on our experience across our organisation to build towards our sustainable future, doing what's right for each other and for the people and communities that we serve and finally energised for the change of our future towards a renewable energy landscape.
Gas Networks Ireland is now seeking to appoint a Development Liaison Officer.
The Role:
The Health, Safety, Quality, (HSQ) function within GNI is responsible for safety policy, quality assurance and compliance across all areas of the business. HSQ is also responsible for the coordination of third-party development queries.
Reporting to the Senior Pipeline Safety Engineer, the Development Liaison Officer will develop and manage the interface with key stakeholders and liaise with third parties in relation to development near Transmission pipelines to ensure the safety of the asset is upheld. The successful candidate will, in conjunction with other internal stakeholders, act as the central point of contact for day-to-day support for developers and third-party queries about development in the vicinity of the Transmission or Distribution Strategic Mains networks. They will also assist with development and rollout of Gas Networks Ireland Process Safety initiatives as required and assist the Senior Pipeline Safety Engineer in doing so. The role requires a proactive approach to Health and Safety, encouraging and coaching the wider organisation whilst promoting a positive safety culture.
Duties and Responsibilities:
* Developing and managing a successful interface with key stakeholders such as Local Authorities, National Roads Authority, Railway Procurement Agency, Fire Services, Electrical Infrastructure operators and others.
* Liaising with third parties in relation to development near Transmission Pipelines or Distribution Strategic Mains, for example:
o Local Authorities
o Architects/Engineers/Planning Consultants
o Property Developers
o Electrical Infrastructure developers and operators
o Landowners/Farmers
o Contractors
o Utilities
* Approving and issuing maps, drawings and relevant codes of practice to interested third parties using latest technologies such as GIS, DBYD online etc.
* Maintaining a database to document all queries and referrals in relation to third-party activity near pipelines.
* Preparing and issuing monthly, quarterly and annual reports of third-party activity internally and for Safety Case reporting to CRU.
* Assessing developments and liaising with third-party development review forum to assess the potential impact of development on the safety of the Transmission pipeline network.
* Initiating pipe protection measures and construction supervision/surveillance if required.
* Advising third parties on proper procedures to follow in the event of development progressing.
* Participating in safety campaigns and information sessions with key stakeholders to raise awareness of development issues relating to pipelines and wayleaves.
* Developing and maintaining policies and procedures related to liaison with third parties and development near to Transmission pipelines.
* Liaising with Agricultural Liaison Officer and Distribution DBYD team to ensure a consistent approach across Gas Networks Ireland.
* Liaising with GNI Inspectors and operations to ensure all queries are tracked and managed to closure.
* Providing ongoing status and raising risks and issues as appropriate to the Senior Pipeline Safety Engineer.
* Performing other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
* Lead the ongoing improvement initiatives for the tracking and management of third-party enquiries that GNI receive relating to developments in the vicinity of Transmission pipelines and Distribution Strategic Mains pipelines.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
* Degree in Engineering or equivalent.
* 3-5 years relevant engineering experience with a working knowledge of Transmission and/or Distribution natural gas processes, operating practices and construction techniques.
* Knowledge of safety management and risk assessment principles.
* Proven ability to create and develop good working relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals, coupled with the ability to gain commitment from others.
* Excellent communication skills to work with internal and external stakeholders through all communication mediums.
* Ability to set up ongoing procedures to collect and review information as needed to be successful in your role.
* Proactively identifying new areas of learning and using newly gained knowledge and skill on the job.
* Ability to set own high standards of performance and delivering desired results.
* A good understanding of business operations and the commercial viability and impact of technical/professional decisions on the performance of the organisation.
* Proven track record with dealing with complex issues, proactively and in a timely fashion, along with the ability to communicate complex information to others.
Applications, including current Curriculum Vitae, should be emailed to the following address stating the job title and reference number in the subject line of your email: recruit@gasnetworks.ie
The closing date for receipt of applications for this vacancy is the 14th of April 2025.
Please note that applications submitted after this closing date will not be accepted.
Gas Networks Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive place of work and have a robust strategy and framework called ibelong to enable this. We are an equal opportunity employer and through our recruitment process we welcome and encourage applications from interested and suitably qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic origin, membership of the traveller community, religion or beliefs, family or civil status, sexual orientation/gender identity or disability.
GNI will only hold your data for as long as necessary. By providing a CV to GNI you are agreeing for GNI to process this information about you. If you have any questions about how GNI processes your data please see our Privacy Notice. If you have further questions, you can contact us at dataprotection@gasnetworks.ie
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