Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
120. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will list the top ten highest penalties ever levelled against a commuter for failure to pay a motorway toll charge in this State over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1416/26]
View answer137. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the total amount taken in in toll charges by the Government on the M50 since the date the Government purchased the toll bridges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1415/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 137 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. As Minister, I have no formal consultative role when it comes to tolls, it is a matter for TII.
With regard to toll price increases, tolls are reviewed each year. In line with the CPI inflation figure from August 2024 to August 2025 of 2%, certain toll rates chargeable across the eight PPP and two TII toll roads will increase from January 2026. Revenue raised by tolls is used for the maintenance and improvement of the roads in question and the wider national road network
Noting the above position, I have referred the question regarding tolls to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
