A Limerick service station is selling peat as ‘decorative, hardened Irish mud’ in protest at the Government’s ban on the sale of turf.

McNulty Fuels in Hospital, County Limerick is selling the turf logs for ‘ornamental use only’ and warning customers that they are ‘not to be burnt in a fire.’

The shop is also selling wood and coal under the heading ‘The Eamon Ryan Winter Trolley’ and encouraging customers to buy their fuel now ‘before he bans it.’

On Moncrieff this afternoon, shop owner Eric McNulty said he put up the signs as a “bit of tongue in cheek advertising” – but insisted that there is a serious point behind the joke.

The ‘Eamon Ryan Winter Trolley’ at McNulty Fuels in Hospital, County Limerick. Image: McNulty FuelsHe said the upcoming ban on smoky coals and the sale of turf is leaving people without ways to heat their homes, especially if the country experiences electricity blackouts over the winter.

“They’re banning what we’re using but they are not giving us an alternative,” he said.

“They’re not giving us an option; they’re not incentivising people.

“That is a real worry for people and that’s why my signs have resonated with people and they have got so much publicity. People are genuinely worried.

“There isn’t an option for people. On one hand, they’re banning fuels and on the other hand, they’re saying there could be electricity shortages this year.”

He said the new rules will also mean shops will only be permitted to sell kiln-dried timber – with standard forestry timber subject to moisture checks to ensure it doesn’t give off too much smoke.

He said homeowners were facing a very worrying winter without turf to fall back on.

“Timber and turf were always a very self-sufficient option,” he said. “People didn’t even have to go to the shops to buy them.

“They were able to get it or their own land and trade amongst themselves and all that.

“That is trying to be stopped at the moment as well, which is all going to put pressure on the market.

“When you take into account the briquettes and the coal going as well, it is leading to price hikes in what’s left and it could be a very worrying winter for a lot of people.”

Mr McNulty said he understands the need for strict climate change targets – but accused the government of targeting households instead of bug business.

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