The Government has warned it may introduce a massive 65% increase in diesel and petrol costs if all other measures fail to reduce car trips and tackle emissions.

The increase would include existing carbon taxes plus other taxes to discourage driving, according to the Government's new Climate Action Plan.

The plan, launched by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar yesterday, warns of a 65% increase on 2018 prices by 2030, if reduced parking space, congestion charges and other measures fail to reduce transport emissions. At the launch, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the invasion of Ukraine had "underlined the need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels".

"Ireland must be at the vanguard of the noticeable step up in climate ambition that is underway across the EU," he said.

The tough new climate plan calls for the "disincentivising" of private vehicle use "through such measures as the removal of free workplace parking; minimum parking charges introduced in all urban areas and application of congestion charges for journeys across marked cordons".

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"Consideration will also be given to implementing an increase in fuel costs (modelled as an increase of 65% by 2030 relative to 2018 prices, incorporating already planned carbon tax increases) if other measures are not deemed successful," it warns.

It also calls for the number of "school run" car journeys to be cut by 30% by 2030, supported by the introduction and take-up of local initiatives such as "cycle buses" to schools, which can be "greatly enhanced through the provision and promotion of infrastructure".

Mr Varadkar said Ireland could be energy independent within a generation. The Fine Gael leader said harnessing the country's untapped renewable energy resources could deliver energy security and price stability.