Gormley announces new carbon-based car taxes

Minister for Environment John Gormley has announced details of a new tax system that will penalise motorists based on their vehicle's carbon emissions.

At the lower end of the scale, cars that emit just 120 grams of carbon per kilometre will be subject to a yearly tax of €100.

At the higher end, cars emitting 225 grams per kilometre will cost their owner €2,000-a-year.

Mr Gormley says the move is designed to encourage people to buy more environmentally friendly cars.