Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
365. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider exempting public transport services from toll charges; the estimated cost of such a measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37264/26]
View answerAs 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.
Tolling is a vital source of funding for the operation & maintenance of our national roads network. Any reduction in toll revenue would have to be made up through an increase in Exchequer funding. I have no plans at present to seek changes to tolling charges or exemptions.
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.
Noting the above position, I have therefore referred the part of the Deputy's question regarding the cost of the proposed exemption to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
