Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
108. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland regarding the need for toll charges on the M3 to be reduced (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2846/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question. I appreciate the importance of the M3 to him and his constituents.
There are ten toll roads on the national road network, eight of which are operated under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, including the M3 Eurolink concession. The basis for the PPP toll road contracts, such as the M3, arose from a Government policy initiative which identified PPPs as an essential component in contributing to the financing and delivery of national road improvements. Private finance was raised by the PPP companies and used to fund the construction, operation and maintenance of these projects. The toll revenues collected accrue to the PPP Company and contribute to the repayment of company loans and the ongoing operation and maintenance of the PPP schemes.
In terms of the framework for setting tolls, Toll Bye-Laws for each individual road set out the basis for calculating Maximum Tolls each year. The mechanism for these calculations is set out in the individual Toll Bye-Law and is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Actual Tolls charged may not exceed the calculated Maximum Toll for each scheme.
Following the application of the CPI inflation figure of 2% for the period from August 2024 to August 2025, the Board of TII approved a number of toll changes from January 1st 2026. This included an increase of 10 cents for cars on the M3.
While I fully appreciate that any toll increase has an impact on commuters, I think it is important to emphasise that the methodology for the annual review of tolls is set out in the Bye-Laws for each scheme, and also reflects the contractual arrangements in place between TII and the PPP companies. I would also point out that Public Private Partnerships have been instrumental in the expansion of Ireland’s motorway network through recent decades, benefiting citizens across the State.
