Disability Issues

Wednesday, 3 December 2025

Ceisteanna (95)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

95. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he will direct Transport Infrastructure Ireland to review the 2020 changes to the disabled drivers and disabled passengers (toll exemption) scheme, particularly the withdrawal of toll exemption discs previously granted on a goodwill basis to registered charities that provide essential daily transport for adults with severe autism and intellectual disabilities; if he is aware that a service provider (details supplied) in Cork, an autism-specific adult day service, has had its exemption (originally granted in 2013 and renewed without issue until 2025) refused 2025, resulting in daily toll costs of €12–€16 that are unsustainable and will force the withdrawal of transport for two individuals from Fermoy and Mitchelstown; and if he will consider introducing a discretionary or grandfathering clause for pre-2020 goodwill cases operated by registered disability service providers in the public interest. [68223/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

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.

Having regard to the importance of accessibility and mobility for people living with disability, the Disability Toll Exemption Scheme was set up by TII in 2019 to allow Disability Modified Vehicles to be exempt from tolling charges on Irish toll roads. I understand that since 2020, registered disability modified vehicles are not liable to pay toll charges at any toll plaza nationwide.

I appreciate the important role played by organisations providing transport services for people living with disability, and noting the above position, I have referred the question regarding this matter to TII for a direct reply regarding the applicability of the DTES to such services. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.