Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
195. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the current capacity limits of the M50; the frequency with which incidents lead to full or partial gridlock; and the contingency measures that are in place when major collisions occur. [33518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra196. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport when the M50 was originally designed and commissioned as an outer ring road; the population and traffic projections that underpinned that design; and whether those assumptions remain valid today. [33519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the proportion of heavy goods vehicles and non-Dublin bound traffic that currently use the M50; and the measures being considered to divert unnecessary through traffic away from it. [33522/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the economic cost of M50 congestion, including delays to commuters, freight, and emergency responses; and whether this has been updated in recent years. [33524/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 195, 196, 199 and 201 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to the M50.
The Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
