Solid Fuel Merchants Ireland (SFMI), the country’s largest representative body for businesses and retailers engaged in the sale and distribution of solid fuels, has unveiled new research, compiled by Morley Economic Consulting, “Ireland’s Solid Fuel Merchants – An Economic and Community Impact Analysis.” Among the standout facts contained in the research is that up to one third (33%) of all fuel sold in Ireland is illegal, smoky fuel, emanating from outside the country.

The Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector and delves into the multifaceted contributions of the solid fuel industry to Ireland’s economy, communities, and environmental stewardship. The research highlights the positive community impact made by solid fuel merchants across the country, who give back to the very communities that sustain them. Crucially, the report also underscores SFMI’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation amidst evolving market and consumer behavior trends.

The Report findings also sheds light on the concerns of SFMI members regarding the future viability of the sector, particularly in light of challenges posed by the illegal sale of smoky fuels from outside the jurisdiction. Within this dynamic regulatory landscape, SFMI advocates for a level playing field that ensures fair and ethical trading practices so that legitimate retailers, and the people who rely on them for the energy requirements are protected.

Among the Report’s key findings are;

A low-level enforcement of regulations pertaining to illegal fuel sales by local authorities – with just one prosecution to date

Six in every 10 merchants view the current state of their business, and/or sector, negatively.

The need for further funds for local authorities to police the sale of illegal fuel

Until energy security is achieved, households must have a secondary heat source – which underscores the importance of solid fuel merchants in the community

The need for the North South Ministerial Council to push for a smoky coal ban across the island of Ireland in order to prevent the illegal sale of solid fuel

The need for a €25m just transition fund for solid fuel merchants

Chairperson of Solid Fuel Merchants, Colin Ahern stated “SFMI members are united in their serious concern at the low level of enforcement of regulations by local authorities in preventing the sale of illegal fuel. With two jurisdictions on the island of Ireland and a lack of alignment on regulations pertaining to smoky fuel and carbon taxes this has led to a prolific amount of illegal fuel being sold without detection. The fact a legal lacunae indirectly facilitates the sale of illegal fuel from Northern Ireland is far from satisfactory. Politicians and policy-makers need to make this priority if they are serious about making an impact on the environment while safeguarding legitimate fuel merchants.

If left unchecked, the level of illegal trade is likely to continue to trend upwards and this could result in annual losses to the exchequer of upwards of €18 million by 2025, not to mind the serious environmental damage that is being done with product that is below par quality, and more importantly, safety standards.

The absence of a fully regulated EPA licensing requirement is creating fertile ground for illegal traders. To contain this problem we are once again calling for the introduction of an EPA licensing requirement, to ensure the establishment of a national database of approved, legitimate solid fuel retailers.” Mr. Ahern concluded.

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The run is in memory of two brothers, Wayne and Kenny Scannell, who tragically passed away within years of each other. Since its inception, the event has proved hugely successful in raising a substantial amount of money for organisations that need extra support like Waterford City River Rescue and the paediatric ward at University Hospital Waterford.

This year the Scannell family decided to fundraise in aid of Blood Bikes South East. Established in 2020, Blood Bikes South East directly serves hospitals and communities across the South East and links up with other blood bike groups to provide a completely FREE nationwide service, which benefits hospitals, laboratories, nursing homes, patients, and their families.

They transport many urgent medical items such as blood products, medical samples, medical records, scans, x-rays, test results, medicines, and medical devices. Blood Bikes South East is a 100% volunteer run, no one is paid for their service and all funds raised go directly into the service they provide to the community.

To mark this exciting event, Inver Slieverue Junction presented Blood Bikes South East with a €1,000 Leading Lights donation.

Leading Lights is Inver’s unique initiative where each Inver Service Station has the opportunity to support and recognise organisations and charities that put an effort and time into making their communities a better place. Through this programme, Inver is committed to making a positive and long-lasting contribution to people’s lives.

This donation fits seamlessly with Inver’s ethos of supporting local communities, families, and education.

Store manager Sean said: “Blood Bikes South East is a truly inspiring voluntary organisation providing out-of-hours runs to ensure that those who need help can get it at any time.”

Inver would like to thank the Scannell family for organising such an amazing event and everyone who supported this fantastic fundraiser.

Caption: Mick Canavan, Dewald Groenewald, Abraham Allen, Paul Brierton, Brenda Forrest, Ronnie Evans, Clare McGowan, Niamh Phelan, Stephen Hampson, Sabrina Scannell

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