A number of houses are understood to have been evacuated this afternoon following a gas leak in Portarlington.
The incident was described on social media as a ‘major gas leak in Railway Mews in Portarlington.
According to a post on LovePort: “Some houses have been evacuated and you can’t drive in or out of the estate. Please be aware”.
Gas Networks Ireland advises anyone who smells gas to call their 24 Hour Emergency Service 1850 20 50 50 immediately.
Gas Networks Ireland confirmed they are aware of the incident.
“At 12:35 today Gas Networks Ireland was requested to attend an incident at 89 Railway Mews, Portarlington, Co Laois in response to a report of third party damage to a gas pipeline.
“Gas Networks Ireland technical staff are currently on site assessing the precise cause of the incident,” a company spokesperson said.
House owners should ensure that gas appliances are turned off and have not been left on and unlit.
You should not smoke or use naked flame in the area.
In such a situation, don’t unplug or switch anything electrical on or off.
Home owners should open windows and doors.
Meter
If the smell persists the gas should be turned off at the meter.
While you should ring Gas Netowrks Ireland immediately, a phone should not be used in the immediate area of the leak, use a neighbour’s or call from outside.
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