''If you look at other Europeans markets, they're looking at 2040''.
All new petrol and diesel cars are to be banned on Irish roads from 2030 as part of the government's climate action Bill.
The bill aims to make the transport, agriculture, and energy sectors significantly reduce carbon emissions over the next 10 years.
Departments and agencies which fail to meet their climate commitments will be punished with reduced State funding.
However Brian Cooke, the Director General of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, said stopping the sale of fossil fuel cars is premature.
''I think if you look at other Europeans markets, they're looking at 2040,'' he said.
''We feel that would be a more realistic target.
''In the past we've set targets and deadlines without having a plan so really this is putting the cart before the horse.
''The plan should come first, then we can see what the actual targets should be.''
To assist the new measures, five-yearly "carbon budgets" will set a limit on how much carbon can be produced.
And a more powerful Climate Action Council will replace the Climate Change Advisory Council.
Stop Climate Chaos says it is essential the details of the new climate action Bill are published without delay to allow for proper scrutiny before the Dáil resumes next week.
