People purchasing smoky coal in Northern Ireland is disadvantageous to traders in Cavan.
This was the message that emerged at a recent meeting of Cavan County Council.
Members heard that because of the carbon tax in the Republic of Ireland, the price of fuel had gone up and consumers were buying cheaper coal across the border - where no carbon taxes applied.
Cllr Patricia Walsh said she saw a lorry going around Cavan - from outside the jurisdiction - selling coal and briquettes door-to-door.
The move, she added, is creating “unfair competition” for Cavan businesses.
Cllr Paddy McDonnell said the carbon tax was too high and it was therefore inevitable that people would cross the border to buy their coal at a cheaper rate .
Meanwhile, Cllr John Paul Feeley called on the Minister for Environment, Eamon Ryan to ensure that Revenue was “properly resourced” to ensure that people were complying with the law in respect of the matter.
Members agreed that an invite to an upcoming local authority meeting should be extended to the Department so the matter could be discussed in more detail.
