An Taisce has become the latest body to call for an increase in tax on diesel in Tuesday’s budget.
The heritage group said there was growing evidence that tiny particles from diesel fumes lodge in the brain where they may contribute Alzheimer’s disease.
The organisation’s call follows those from European Greens and others to reverse the proliferation of diesel cars which stems from the introduction of “cleaner” diesel engines from about 2007 onwards.
In 2015, diesel engines were the most popular choice amongst consumers in Western Europe, with over half now opting for this type of fuel.
In Ireland, diesel vehicles account for 71 per cent on all new sales, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.
But in a pre-budget statement, An Taisce said a new study conducted at Lancaster University and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found high levels of magnetite (an iron oxide) in brain tissue. Alzheimer’s patients also have high levels of magnetite in brain tissue.
An Taisce also drew attention to recent World Bank data which puts economic costs on air pollution in Ireland at €58million in days lost at work every year, and €2.2bn in annual welfare losses.
Ireland currently taxes diesel 11 cent less per litre than petrol, but a civil service inter-departmental strategy group recommended closing this gap over five years by increasing the diesel rate by 2.2 cent annually.
“The country needs to get back on track, shifting car sales away from diesel and on to electric vehicles and hybrids” said Charles Stanley-Smith of An Taisce.
Six civil society organisations advocating tax reform include the Asthma Society of Ireland, An Taisce, Irish Environmental Network, Green Budget Europe, Transport & Environment and the Irish Cycling Advocacy Network.
