The Government is being warned that huge investment would be need in public transport if a congestion charge is introduced in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford cities.
The warning comes as the Transport Minister is to update his Ministerial colleagues today on plans which could see the charge introduced in Irish cities in an effort to free up roads in large urban areas.
A previously published Climate Action Plan stresses that measures like congestion charges can only be effective when good public transport options are already in place.
The National Transport Authority recently raised the idea of a €10 per car per day congestion charge and a fourfold increase in parking charges on 2016 rates.
Those opposed to the charge say the best way to reduce car use in cities is to introduce free public transport.
The Transport Minister meanwhile says his department's plans to tackle traffic congestion are not 'anti-car'.
Speaking before cabinet, Minister Ryan says they need a system that works for everyone.
"This is not against someone in a car. We're still going to have a lot of people driving. This doesn't work.
"It's not anti-car, it's not anti-motorist. But everyone in a car knows that if everyone else is driving, then the road is full and nobody will get anywhere fast.
"It's just about making a system that works for everyone, that's what we need to do."
