Frustration as rogue suppliers of 'smoky coal' and 'wet wood' in Cork reopen in new locations

“It was blatantly obvious what was going on [somebody burning smoky coal]," Carrigaline-based Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Donovan said recently. "What are we doing with inspections of houses?”

Smoke from the chimney of a house fueled with coal. File Picture: iStock

Rogue suppliers of so-called 'smoky coal' and 'wet wood' in Cork are proving difficult to stop, simply moving their operations elsewhere when detected, according to senior council management.

Ted O’Leary, of Cork County Council's environment directorate, said the local authority is trying to crack down on rogue traders supplying ‘smoky coal’ and ‘wet wood’, which he says is being smuggled into the country.