Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
105. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to set out the policy direction powers available to him under the Roads Act 1993 to the Roads Act 2015 in relation to Transport Infrastructure Ireland; and to confirm whether these powers permit him to issue a direction to review or amend national toll exemption policy for disability service providers. [70386/25]
View answer106. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if any equality assessment, disability-impact assessment, or public sector duty evaluation was carried out prior to the 2020 changes to the disability toll exemption scheme, which ended the previous practice of toll exemption for registered disability charities; if so, to provide the findings; if not, to explain the basis for proceeding without such an assessment. [70387/25]
View answer107. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider establishing a formal discretionary or grandfathering mechanism for registered disability service providers that previously received toll exemptions on a goodwill basis prior to 2020, in order to protect continued access to day services for adults with severe disabilities; and the policy considerations informing his position. [70388/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 106 and 107 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
With regard to exemptions from paying tolls, Section 62 of the Roads Act 1993, along with the Bye Laws for each toll scheme set out classes of vehicles which are exempt from paying tolls. It is important to note that any decision to reopen the Bye Laws for each toll scheme to exempt additional classes of vehicle would require extensive negotiation with the PPP companies concerned. The management of the relationship with each PPP company is a matter for TII.
I note that the Disability Toll Exemption Scheme (DTES), which is operated by TII, facilitates disability modified vehicles that qualify for exemption under the Revenue Commissioners’ Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme to be exempt from charges on toll roads.
Noting the above position, I have referred the questions regarding toll exemptions to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
