A consumer body representing motorists has criticised the carbon tax as a “pure revenue-raising” measure, while a fuel industry body has claimed raising carbon taxes further would have “unintended consequences” for the economy.

Environmentalist and broadcaster Duncan Stewart has claimed an immediate ban on smoky fuel would save 1,500 lives over the next three years.

Age Action has warned many older people may be forced to choose between buying medicine, food, and fuel due to the effects of the budget.

The price of home heating oil has rocketed, with the cost of a tank refill now €300 higher than five years ago.

THE overdue roll-out of the smoky fuel ban in Ennis “has been muddled and confusing”, a local councillor has claimed.