An Independent TD says moves to increase tax on diesel vehicles and to ban them from some towns is yet another attack on rural Ireland.
Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice says it would also have a devastating affect on small haulage companies, many small businesses and on motorists who have diesel cars because the fuel is cheaper than petrol.
The proposals are in a consultation document on clean air launched by Minister for Climate Action and the Environment Denis Naughten this week.
Deputy Fitzmaurice says everyone wants clean air but we have to be realistic about how we arrive at that point.
He says hard-pressed motorists in rural areas who have the cheaper diesel vehicles will be hard hit: