The threat that fuel fraud and illicit trade poses to legitimate business, to consumers and the Exchequer is recognised, and State agencies are working collaboratively to combat such criminality.
It is inherently difficult to estimate the extent of any illegal trade with confidence and it is not possible, therefore, to estimate the potential loss to the Exchequer of the illegal sale and distribution of coal and bottled gas from Northern Ireland.
Enforcement action against breaches of the Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Sale, Distribution and Burning of Specified Fuels) Regulations 2012 is a matter for Local Authorities and my Department does not compile statistics in relation to prosecutions taken or fines imposed. However, Local Authorities do report information to the Environmental Protection Agency each year regarding inspection and enforcement activities under environmental legislation; the most recent report, which is with respect to 2019, can be accessed at: https://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/enforcement/performanceframework/focusonlocalauthorityenvironmentalenforcement-activityreport2019.html
The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to develop a regional approach to air quality enforcement and a multi-agency approach to clamping down on the sale of high sulphur content fuel imported from the UK, with Local Authorities and the Revenue Commissioners involved.
Such a coordinated approach is required given the links between the burning of solid fuels and the health effects of air pollution, as well as the potential for market distortion for businesses properly adhering to the regulations. Increased multi-agency inspections and enforcement, including the use of fixed payment notices, are required and my Department is fully committed to supporting Local Authorities in this regard.
