Written Answers Nos. 101-120
107. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocation in 2026 for the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Road and Clontibret to the Border road schemes; the estimated date for completion of each scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1245/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question. I know that the progression of these projects is of great interest to him.
In 2025, €502 million of exchequer capital funds was provided to TII for national roads. This included approximately €8.8 million for projects in Monaghan and a further €2.4 million for projects in Louth.
The N2 Clontibret to the Border project is currently at the Design and Environmental Evaluation stage of the project management guidelines. It is expected to be submitted to my Department this year, ahead of a Government decision on whether to grant approval-in-principal, as is required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. Subject to Government approval, it would then proceed to a planning application. As part of the National Road allocations for 2025, the project received an allocation of €3 million.
The N2 Ardee to Castleblayney project is also at the Design and Environmental Evaluation stage but it was not possible to provide an allocation for the project in 2025. However, along with the Clontibret to the Border project, it was included in the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, which was published late last year, and it is hoped that it will be progressed in the coming years. Other projects in the north east which are listed in the plan include bypasses of Slane, Ardee and Virginia.
As the Deputy will be aware, in the Programme for Government, we have committed to investing in all road projects in the current National Development Plan and to increased funding for new roads as part of the NDP review.
I look forward to the announcement of the 2026 allocations for national roads in the coming weeks, at which point it will be possible to offer greater clarity regarding the two projects mentioned by the Deputy.
I hope that this information is of assistance to you.
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]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
109. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if he will travel to Donegal and meet with locally elected councillors to learn at firsthand about the serious traffic management crisis in Letterkenny impacting the people of and visitors to Donegal, and the proposed local roads infrastructure projects that can address this crisis. [1398/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on these roads are funded from Councils’ own resources and supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
It is important to highlight that any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects proposed by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the Department's Transport Appraisal Framework. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
The Letterkenny Southern Network Project aims to develop the transport network around the South of Letterkenny town, to provide connectivity from Letterkenny to West Donegal, improve traffic congestion, support compact growth, and encourage modal shift. The scheme received an allocation of €300,000 in 2025 to progress the scheme through the options selection stage. The planning and implementation of the project is the responsibility of Donegal County Council.
Regional and local road grant allocations for 2026 will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
In 2025, approximately €18.8 million in exchequer funding was allocated for the National Road Network in Donegal. Included in this was an allocation of approximately €2 million for the Donegal TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project. As part of this, three sections of the road network in Donegal have been prioritised for improvement, including the N56/N13 Letterkenny to Manorcunningham road. This will greatly improve road safety on the approach to Letterkenny.
This project received Government Approval in Principle at Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines in July 2024. The remaining Design and Environmental Evaluation Phase deliverables are being finalised. The submission of the scheme to An Coimisiún Pleanála is now anticipated in the first part of this year. The Donegal TEN-T Project is among those projects listed in the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport.
Allocations for national roads in 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks.
110. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of concerns regarding the increasing unreliability of the TFI Live RealTime app; if he has engaged with TFI on this issue; the nature of those engagements; if he will ensure that TFI rectifies the current reliability issues with the app; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2897/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question and like him, I am eager to see improvements in real-time tracking across public transport.
This Government wants public transport to be a genuine option for more and more journeys. To do that, we are expanding the network and investing to make it faster, more frequent, and more reliable. This involves both large infrastructural work like the Core Bus Corridors and other investments like bus stops and shelters, simpler fares, and Real Time Passenger Information.
While most real-time information is accurate and valued by customers, we know that improvements are needed. To this end, my Department is funding the National Transport Authority, or NTA, to enhance real time information, including for the TFI Live app.
In December 2023 the NTA awarded a contract to implement and support a national Automatic Vehicle Location, or AVL, system for all Public Service Obligation buses with pilot testing of the new system to commence later this year, 2026. The upgrade will improve the quality of bus service operations and the timeliness and the quality of real time bus service information.
This will enable to the NTA to consolidate several existing bus AVL systems into one central system to be used by all Public Service Obligation bus operators in Ireland, and it has expansion capacity to meet the growing demand for public transport.
I know that it is frustrating to count down the expected time of arrival of a bus, only for it to disappear from the screen at the last moment. This situation is not acceptable to me. Once complete, the new AVL system will lead to significant performance improvements and improved quality of information for bus passengers - and I will monitor roll out of this system carefully so that passengers see the intended improvement in information provision.
111. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the engagement his Department has had with the National Transport Authority and public transport providers in relation to the reliability and frequency of public transport [2865/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the NTA is a non-commercial State body operating under the aegis of my Department. As with other State bodies under my Department I engage as appropriate with the Chair and the executive in relation to relevant issues, including those raised by the Deputy.
My officials have a structured engagement process with the NTA, including monthly meetings with senior management, quarterly governance meetings, and receive regular updates on policy and programme delivery.
I can assure the Deputy that the performance of all public transport operators is closely monitored by the NTA under their contractual arrangements. These contracts allow for not just the monitoring of performance and the publication of annual performance reports, but importantly, allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard. For example, if a bus service doesn’t operate due to circumstances within the operator’s control, a deduction is applied equivalent to the cost of the cancelled service.
On reliability and frequency, the NTA acknowledge there have been challenges - often due to traffic congestion, driver or mechanic shortages, or unforeseen incidents. My Department is working closely with the NTA to try to address these issues through initiatives such as the previously mentioned Public Transport Workforce Taskforce which aims to address recruitment challenges for drivers and mechanics; and planned improvements to the vehicle location system under Next Generation AVL, which will enhance the accuracy of real-time passenger information.
Phase 7 of BusConnects is a good example of responsiveness, with recent route alignment changes made following feedback from passengers and local representatives. As mentioned previously, BusConnects is delivering results - the latest progress report, covering Phases 5a, 5b, and 6a, shows that 8 out of 10 users are satisfied with the service, and 45% believe their bus service has improved.
We remain fully committed to building on these positive changes and delivering a public transport system that is reliable, accessible, and affordable for everyone.
112. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the future of the 425A bus service following the recent National Transport Authority public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1764/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have mentioned already today, there has been considerable investment in services throughout the country under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, improving how rural communities access Public Transport. In County Galway in particular, funding has gone up by 25% from 2023 to 2024 to over €3.6m, boosting passenger numbers by 45%.
A great example of this continued investment can be seen in the improved bus services along the Wild Atlantic Way during the summer of 2025, with the enhancement of Route 350 between Galway and Ennis via the Cliffs of Moher and the introduction of a new Route 351 between the Cliffs of Moher and Galway City, via Fanore. Route 351 was designed to facilitate onward travel with links to Doolin ferries and the Galway-Dublin train services at Oranmore.
In relation to the specific route 425A, the NTA is proposing to amend the bus network serving Athenry and recently launched a public consultation which closed last Friday. The proposal consists of rerouting of the existing Route 425a through Athenry; and the introduction of a new Route 416 to operate between Athenry and Tuam. The NTA are currently reviewing the more than 100 submissions that have been received relating to this consultation.
As with all service proposals, the NTA must carefully assess all submissions received in relation to the introduction of new routes and changes to existing services. While not all proposals can be progressed, the consultation process plays a vital role in informing decisions and ensuring that available funding is directed where it can deliver the greatest benefit for passengers and communities.
113. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the expansion of the extraordinarily skeleton train service and limited carriage numbers on the Rosslare to Dublin service which covers Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2797/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
However, I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that increasing operations from Wicklow to Rosslare is challenging in the context of it being a predominantly single-track line. Challenging track alignments and consequent low speeds significantly constrain the level of train services that can currently be provided along this line, particularly on the high frequency DART section between Bray and Greystones. Additionally, platform lengths on the Rosslare line restrict train formations to a maximum of four carriages, which prevents the operation of longer trains and limits the ability to increase capacity.
As the Deputy may be aware, Iarnród Éireann are in the process of ordering more carriages, with three orders in place for 285 carriages which will begin entering service from 2027 onwards. Part of the second order of battery electric carriages, which are planned to start entering service from 2028 will allow the commencement of the extension of the DART to Wicklow from around 2029.
As rail fleet becomes available through the redeployment of fleet replaced by the new DART fleet, Iarnród Éireann will examine the deployment of its trains and carriages under review to address capacity issues across the network, with all timetabling subject to the approval of the NTA under the public service obligation contract.
I am advised by Iarnród Éireann, that currently, all available trains are operated on a daily basis, outside of required maintenance cycles to ensure fleet reliability and repair works, and that the trains are designed to safely accommodate full loading at the busiest times.
I am aware that that capacity and frequency improvements would be welcomed by passengers on the Rosslare to Dublin line, and the I understand that Iarnród Éireann will continue to work with the NTA to identify opportunities for further enhancements of services and capacity for this route.
114. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the number of community involvement scheme applications on hand per local authority; the amount of time the applications are on hand; if he intends to increase funding for the scheme given the volume of applications in the pipeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1248/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for his question.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on these roads are funded from Councils’ own resources and supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government commits to providing additional funding for the Local Improvement Scheme and the Community Involvement Scheme.
In 2018, the Department introduced ring-fenced funding for Community Involvement Schemes (CIS). The purpose of the CIS is to facilitate local community participation in repair of more lightly trafficked public roads which might not be high on the list of a local authority's annual roadwork programme. Under the scheme a local community can contribute in money or in kind, for example by making labour or machinery available.
While community contributions in the range 15% to 30% had been required up to 2021, depending on the mix between works and monies, the contribution rates were reduced to a minimum of 10% for monetary contributions and 20% for works contribution. This is more in line with Local Improvement Scheme contribution rates.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that from 2026 the contribution rate for monetary contributions has been reduced to a minimum of 8%, with the contribution rate remaining at 20% for works contribution.
It should be noted that the Community Involvement Scheme is advertised and administered directly by the local authorities.
In 2025, €14.8 million was allocated to local authorities for Community Involvement Schemes.
In order to allow for sufficient planning and applications for this scheme, local authorities are invited to apply for funding for CIS projects for a two-year programme, with the latest round of applications received in late 2025 for the 2026/2027 period.
Grant allocations for 2026, including those for CIS, will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks.
115. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the funding that has been allocated for national and regional roads in Cork for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1247/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to thank the Deputy for his question.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
€713 million was allocated to Regional and Local Road Grants in 2025, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding on 2024.
In 2025, Cork City Council received an allocation of €11,762,000 for the maintenance and improvement of its regional and local roads network of which over €11m was allocated to road protection and renewal. The 2025 allocation included funding for one Strategic Regional and Local Roads Scheme: Clontarf Bridge Upgrade.
In 2025, Cork County Council received an allocation of €82,838,900 for the maintenance and improvement of its regional and local roads network of which over €79m was allocated to road protection and renewal. The 2025 allocation including funding for two Strategic Regional and Local Roads Schemes; the Great Island Connectivity Scheme (R624 Cobh Road); and the Midleton North Eastern Transport Corridor; and seven Specific Improvement Grant Schemes. Cork County Council also received an allocation of €6.8m for the repairs to the network from the impacts of severe weather events.
As regards 2026, grant allocations will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks. The main focus of the grants will continue to be the protection and renewal of the network.
In 2025, approximately €71 million in exchequer capital funding was allocated to Cork County Council for National Roads, which was an increase in funding of €20 million over 2024 levels.
This was made up of €15m for protection and renewal of the existing network and €55m for the construction of new roads which includes funding for the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy project and Mallow Relief Road. This enabled the Cork to Ringaskiddy project construction to progress on site with significant earthworks completed and the Mallow Relief road to progress towards business case and and planning application preparation.
Approximately €1.5m was allocated to Cork City Council for the protection and renewal of National Roads in the city, as well as approximately €400,000 for current maintenance.
As Minister, I have overall responsibility for the allocation of exchequer funding for National Roads. As part of the annual allocations process for National Roads, TII prepare an allocations booklet listing funding for each project in the coming year. This is based on the ongoing prioritisation process which takes place between TII and local authorities. Allocations for national roads in 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks.
116. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport the rationale for the current pricing structure for public electric vehicle (EV) charging, including the reason ESB public chargers are charging approximately €0.66 per kWh, which is almost double the cost of peak-rate home electricity and more than triple the off-peak rate available to smart-metre customer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72812/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years, targeting national roads and motorways, Local Authority sites, and destination schemes such as the Shared Island Sports club scheme. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Price setting by electricity suppliers and charge point operators is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each such company has its own approach to pricing decisions in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base.
There are no current plans to introduce regulation on charging costs within the public EV charging sector. However, the Department will continue to monitor developments in the EV charging market, including pricing trends and impacts on users who rely on public charging, as part of its ongoing engagement with stakeholders and its wider work on the delivery of a fair, accessible and reliable EV charging network.
117. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if funding for Local Link will be increased in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2673/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, I fully recognise the essential role that Local Link plays in sustaining rural communities, providing dependable public transport not only for daily travel, but especially for older people, people with disabilities, and those without access to a private car.
I want to clearly reassure the Deputy that funding for Local Link has increased in 2026, and that strengthening rural public transport remains a core priority of this Government.
Following the Budget process concluded in October 2025, the Public Service Obligation allocation for 2026 has risen to €940 million - a very significant 43% increase on 2025's allocation. This record level of funding ensures that public transport services, including Local Link and other rural routes, can operate reliably, sustainably, and affordably, even as passenger numbers continue to grow and operating costs increase.
In addition, I am pleased to confirm that €31 million has been specifically secured for the Rural Transport Programme in 2026, representing a 38% increase on last year’s funding. This will support the continued delivery and expansion of Local Link services in the communities that rely on them most.
This investment underpins our ongoing commitment to Connecting Ireland, which has been a major success story. Since 2022, 185 new or enhanced services have been delivered, connecting over 240 towns and villages to the public transport network. These include 61 new healthcare connections, 41 links to higher education, and 71 connections to rail services. In 2025 alone, more than 8 million passenger journeys were made on Connecting Ireland routes.
Taken together, this funding demonstrates the Government’s clear commitment to improving the accessibility, reliability and reach of rural public transport, and to ensuring that Local Link continues to play a vital role in supporting rural life across the country.
118. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport when the 2026 grant allocations to local authorities for roads will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2670/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to thank the Deputy for his question.
The improvement and maintenance of Regional and Local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
€713 million was allocated to Regional and Local Road Grants in 2025, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This represents an overall increase of over 8% in funding on 2024.
As part of this investment in 2025, €47.8 million was allocated to developing and upgrading this infrastructure through vital strategic projects, including projects identified for development under the NDP such as the Tralee Northern Relief Road and the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road. Furthermore, €22.2 million was allocated to smaller-scale road improvements under the Specific Grant category.
As regards 2026, grant allocations will be notified to local authorities in the coming weeks. The main focus of the grants will continue to be the protection and renewal of the network.
With regard to National Roads, approximately €502m of exchequer capital funding was allocated to local authorities in 2025, for both Protection and Renewal and construction of New Roads through Transport Infrastructure Ireland. In addition, €98m has been provided for National Roads under Public Private Partnerships. This represents an increase in capital funding of approximately €40m from 2024.
This funding allowed for the progression of several important projects in 2025, including construction of the N5 Ballaghadereen to Scramoge and the Adare Bypass, and those at an earlier stage in the project lifecycle.
As Minister, I have overall responsibility for the allocation of exchequer funding for National Roads. As part of the annual allocations process, TII prepare an allocations booklet listing funding for each project in the coming year. This is based on the ongoing prioritisation process which takes place between TII and local authorities. Allocations for National Roads in 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks.
119. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if clarification been provided as to the amount of public charging capacity on the public charging network for the number of EVs currently registered in Ireland (as referred to on page 11 of the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2586/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is firmly committed to achieving a low-carbon economy by 2050, and the transport sector will play a pivotal role in this transition. The Climate Action Plan sets ambitious targets for the adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), aiming for 30% of the private car fleet to be electric by 2030. Fleet electrification is expected to continue to provide the greatest share of emissions abatement in the short-to-medium term for the transport sector.
As this target applies exclusively to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), ongoing modelling research is focused on determining the number of BEVs required to achieve the 30% goal. To support this transition, my Department is actively promoting BEV adoption through a range of measures, including financial incentives and other supports.
As outlined in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport Investment in EVs and EV infrastructure has steadily increased over the lifetime of the NDP to-date, with significant investment anticipated to 2030 through both EV grant incentives to offset the price differential with ICE equivalents and investment in EV infrastructure to accelerate delivery of required charging infrastructure through leveraging private sector investment, ensuring that EV infrastructure is deployed not only in the more commercially profitable locations but also in locations across the country, establishing a network that meets citizens’ needs.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging. In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally, depending on the level of power supplied at each. AFIR requirements set that there should be 1.3kw of capacity on the national network per BEV and 0.8kw capacity per PHEV.
Because the vast majority of capacity on the public charging network has, to date, been provided on a solely commercial basis, there is a number of different estimates of available capacity on the public charging network. TII, in conjunction with ZEVI, is undertaking a data analysis and cleansing exercise to provide a more accurate measurement of capacity on the public charging network, and it is anticipated that data from this will be available shortly.
The objective is to be ahead of demand and deliver on the AFIR requirements and install EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. This strategy is currently being revised with a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 to be published for consultation in the coming months.
Additionally, significant capacity has been approved for funding through ZEVI schemes including:
LDV En-route Grant Schemes
• Under Phase 1 a total of 131 high-powered recharging points will be built across 17 recharging pools providing an additional 24,260 kilowatts (24 megawatts) recharging capacity.
• Under Phase 2 of the scheme, a total of 175 high-powered recharging points will be built across 53 recharging pools, providing an additional 20,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity.
• Under Phase 3 a total of 192 high-powered recharging points will be built across the 90 recharging pools, providing an additional 22,000 kilowatts (20 Megawatts) of recharging capacity.
These initiatives will significantly expand high power charging availability across the national, regional and local road network, creating a more convenient and reliable system for drivers nationwide.
Local Authority Pilots
ZEVI has developed a EV charging infrastructure Pilot Programme with our Local Authorities. ZEVI aims to deliver 26 pilot projects across 15 Local Authorities. The focus for the Pilot programme is to provide charging infrastructure at locations that meet multiple user needs for Local Authority owned sites.
Following the delivery of the first pilot in Westside, Galway City in 2025, roll out of all qualifying pilots to be completed in 2026.
Shared Island Sports Club Scheme
The Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme provides funding to install a network of publicly accessible chargers in communities nationwide through their local sports clubs. Included in the scope of the Scheme are 227 clubs of which 179 are in Ireland and 48 in Northern Ireland. Almost 80 clubs have been approved in ROI to proceed engagement for installation with approved Charge Point Operators.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland works closely with ESB Networks to ensure the necessary connection requirements are planned and in place to meet the increasing needs for public charging.
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]
Amharc ar fhreagra137. 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]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
