All new petrol and diesel cars are to be banned on Irish roads from 2030.

It's part of the Climate Action Bill, which aims to make the transport, agriculture, and energy sectors significantly reduce carbon emissions over the next 10 years.

The sectors are responsible for the majority of Ireland’s CO2 emissions.

The bill includes a ban on the sale of new fossil fuel cars, run by petrol and diesel, by 2030.

Brian Cooke, Director General of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, said he thinks that is premature.

“I think if you look at other European markets where they are thinking more about 2040 – we feel that would be a more realistic target,” he said.

“I think in the past we have set targets and deadlines without having a plan and really that is putting the cart before the horse. The plan should come first and then we can see what the actual targets should be.”

But Environment Minister Richard Bruton is confident drivers will make the switch to electric:

“About 4% of people are opting to go for EVs but we will reach a real take-off point around 2024 when it will be much cheaper for people to opt for electric rather than traditional combustion engines.”

Minister will be held accountable, with departments which fail to meet their commitments to be punished with less funding.

Five-yearly "carbon budgets" will set a limit on how much carbon can be produced.

And a more powerful Climate Action Council will replace the Climate Change Advisory Council.

Stop Climate Chaos says it is essential the details of the new climate action Bill are published without delay to allow for proper scrutiny before the Dáil resumes next week.

Reporting from Shane Beatty