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.

It has been illegal since 2022 to sell smoky coal, but under current legislation, it is not illegal for householders to use it, he said.

However, several councillors said they have witnessed it burning, with Carrigaline-based Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Donovan saying an estate he recently visited in his home town was covered in a thick blanket of smog.

This would have serious respiratory implications for elderly or vulnerable people, Mr Donovan said.

“It was blatantly obvious what was going on [somebody burning smoky coal]," he said. "What are we doing with inspections of houses?”

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

Mr O’Leary said council inspectors are targeting wholesale fuel suppliers and not homeowners.

Last year, the council carried out 100 inspections of wholesale fuel suppliers, of which 23 had some compliance issues. Four received warning letters, and there were no enforcement proceedings.

Mr O’Leary added he has “no doubt that some of the stuff has been smuggled in” despite the ban.

“When we shut something down, it reopens again," he said. "When we close them down in one location, they go somewhere else and do it.”

'Wet wood'

Mr O'Leary said there's a problem with ‘wet wood’ sales at roadsides, and the council is constantly monitoring these, but they are likely to move their operations to another location.

Burning wet firewood in the home not only carries health and safety risks but is also uneconomical, as wood with a higher moisture content produces less heat.

Firewood from approved producers must be dried to a moisture content of less than 25%.

Carrigtwohill-based Fine Gael councillor Anthony Barry also expressed concern about the amount of smoky coal still being used, and asked how the council is going to counter this.

Mr O’Leary said when they identify an area where it's happening, they normally do a leaflet drop pointing out the health dangers.

He said this is also highlighted to perpetrators in an estate because their own health is being put at risk.

“Raising awareness is our principal tool for highlighting health problems,” he said.

Meanwhile, concern has been raised that more ‘wet timber’ is being sold off as fuel because the council has stopped taking it in for recycling at its civic amenity sites.

The council stopped accepting timber because it is no longer viable to sell it to major recyclers.

However, the environment directorate's Ger Barry said it is hoped to announce “some positive news” this year on renewed acceptance of timber.