Concerns raised about fuel costs
It is now illegal to burn, sell or market smoky coal in Cavan Town. The ban, which came into effect yesterday (Tuesday), September 1, has been extended to 13 towns nationwide with populations over 10,000.
Retailers are warning that many consumers may travel north of the border this winter to purchase cheaper tax-free coal. They also raise concerns and questions about the enforcement of the new laws, and the impact fuel poverty will have on those who can't afford the more expensive smokeless coal.
Well known coal supplier, Tommy Sheehan from North Pole Fuels on the Ballinagh Road in Cavan Town is now in the new Low Smoke Zone in Cavan Town.
He claims that 85-90% of his sales are for smoky coal products and the difference between a bag of smoky coal and smokeless coal is almost €6 a bag.
Tommy estimates that most consumers burn around two bags of coal a week and switching to smokeless coal will mean an increase of around €12 a week.
"That's a lot of money if you are unemployed or on a pension and living on your own," he said.
Consequently Tommy fears for his own future as many customers may migrate North where there's no carbon tax on solid fuel and lower VAT rates, meaning a 40kg bag of smokeless coal costs just €11-12.
Hard-pressed families in the zone have been purchasing smokey coal for around €14 per cwt, they will now have to fork out €20 per cwt for the smokeless variety.
The Anglo-Celt spoke to people in Cavan Town on the basis that their names would not be mentioned. They intimated they will either cut their purchase from two bags of smokey coal to one smokeless and sit in cold houses or head for the North.
"We can't afford the increase – it's either freeze this winter or keep the fire going with the cheaper Northern coal," said one householder.
Red tape
Under the new laws retailers are still permitted to store smoky coal at his depot but can only sell and deliver it to customers living outside the Low Smoke Zone. They must keep a register to that effect.
"How are they going to monitor this and patrol it and keep an eye on what type of coal everyone is using?" asks Tommy.
North Pole Fuels services a wide area in County Cavan and as far south as Granard and the north Longford areas.
Tommy believes the government should have looked at a more detailed retrofit programme for houses first before moving to introduce Low Smoke Zones.
There is further red tape for retailers like Tommy under the regulations. All fuel suppliers whose main business is in coal, must register with the EPA.
All low smoke solid fuel products must be clearly labelled as 'approved fuel – contents comply with the Air Pollution Act Regulations'.
Non-compliant operators may be prosecuted under the Air Pollution Act for breaches of the regulations, with a maximum fine amount of €5,000 if convicted.
Health benefits
The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Eamon Ryan, signed the new regulations in July. The measures are aimed at reducing air pollution and promoting public health. The main health effects of air pollution include stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases including asthma.
Affected areas in Cavan
The geographical boundaries of the new Low Smoke Zones have been defined following extensive liaison with the relevant local authorities.
The affected townlands in Cavan that come within the Low Smoke Zone are: Abbeyland, Aghnaskerry, Annagelliff, Billis (Loughtee Upper By), Burgessacre, Carrickane, Corlurgan (Loughtee Upper By), Coragleragh or Oldtown, Creighan, Cullies (Loughtee Upper By), Drumnavanagh, Drumcrauve, Drumelis, Drumkeen (Loughtee Upper By), Drumlark, Edenticlare, Glasdrumman (Loughtee Upper By), Gortnakesh, Keadew, Killygarry (ED Cavan Rural), Killynebber, Kilnavara, Kinnypottle, Latt, Lisdarn, Lurganboy (Loughtee UpperBy), Moynehall, Part of Drumalee (Loughtee Upper By), Part of Kinnypottle, Poles, Pollamore Far, Pollamore Near, Rosscolgan, Stragelliff, Swellan Lower, Swellan Upper, Tirquin, Townparks (ED Cavan Urban), Tullymongan Lower and Tullymongan Upper.
Local authorities are primarily responsible for enforcement of the smoky coal ban within their respective areas. County council staff have powers to undertake inspections of premises and vehicles used for the sale and distribution of solid fuel, as well as collect samples.
They may also bring a prosecution under the Air Pollution Act for breaches of the regulations, or issue a Fixed Payment Notice (or 'on the spot fine') for alleged offences relating to the marketing, sale and distribution of prohibited fuels in Low Smoke Zones (LSZs), with a penalty range of €250 to €1000.