Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
148. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the rationale for the recent toll increases on the M50 and Dublin port tunnel; whether any portion of the additional revenue generated will be ring-fenced for congestion relief measures, public transport improvements, or health and air-quality monitoring in affected areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70697/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra149. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing a concessionary scheme for low-income commuters who are disproportionately impacted by recent toll increases on the M50 and Dublin port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70698/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra150. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the total toll revenue collected from the M50 and Dublin port tunnel in each of the past three years; if he will provide a breakdown of how this revenue has been allocated, including any ring-fenced funding for congestion relief, public transport improvements, or health and air-quality monitoring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70699/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 148, 149 and 150 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.
Toll revenues contribute to the funding of improvements to the national primary and secondary road network. These improvements include pavement repair and renewal, targeted road safety interventions, junction upgrades, and the repair of structures such as bridges and culverts. TII relies upon tolling revenue along with funding from the exchequer to fund this work. It is important to point out that if tolling revenue did not exist, it would be necessary to use additional exchequer funding to ensure that the national road network is maintained.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply regarding toll increases on the M50 and Dublin Tunnel. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
