Kilkenny businessman and Solid Fuels chair urges crackdown on smuggling

Solid Fuel Merchants Ireland (SFMI), chaired by Kilkenny man Colin Ahern, says further regulation is needed as 54% of households depend on solid fuels for heating their homes, while smugglers are benefitting from the lack of a licensing system.

Solid fuels are estimated to account for 17.6% of all energy used to heat homes in Ireland.

This is the second-highest rate among the 28 EU Member States. The rising trend of coal smuggling has been identified as a major challenge for legitimate family run solid fuel merchants countrywide.

According to SFMI, this illicit activity and the lack of regulation adversely affects the profitability and sustainability of these merchants that rely solely on solid fuels as their livelihood.

Chairperson of Solid Fuel Merchants Ireland Colin Ahern said it is imperative for Government and law enforcement agencies to take decisive action to crack down on this illicit activity and protect small businesses from the negative impacts of coal smuggling.

SFMI in collaboration with key stakeholders aim to minimise the impact on legitimate solid fuel merchants through licensing and regulation of solid fuels.

“The lack to inadequate enforcement and licensing measures is a serious concern for our industry,” said Mr Ahern.

“This illicit activity not only undermines fair competition, but also generates huge losses to the Irish Exchequer. It is time for our government to take proactive steps in collaboration with SFMI to crack down on coal smuggling and ensure that small businesses are protected.

“We urge policymakers to prioritise enforcement checks and licensing, to work towards creating a level playing field for all businesses, big or small.”

Findings from a recent EPA report show that more than half (54)% of households indicated they used solid fuels for space heating purposes, while 16% listed solid fuel as their primary sources of fuel.