A Roscommon fuel merchant believes the threat of energy blackouts this winter is leading to an unprecedented demand for solid fuels.
Padraig Egan who runs Cloonfad Fuel Yard usually starts processing firewood in mid September, however this year he began in late July due to a surge in business.
He believes a risk of power outages and a hike in electricity costs is causing the increased demand.
The West Roscommon businessman says the public is concerned and in some cases are now relying on solid fuels to keep their home warm this winter.
'As soon as it falls off the processor it's going out the gate as quick as we can produce it.
We're actually working four and five hours overtime on the processor , so we just cannot meet demand at the moment.
People are worried, "am I going to , if I have to turn off the electricity, or indeed if the electricity is turned off by the supplier because it's rationed, " at least if they have the solid fuel in the shed or in the back garden they can put that into the stove, or put it into the open fire or whatever to keep the house warm.'
