Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
200. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has examined the impact of M50 tolling on traffic volumes; and whether local and regional traffic is discouraged from alternative routes and thereby concentrated onto the M50. [33523/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
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.
The consideration of traffic management options on regional and local roads is a matter for the relevant local authority as the statutory road authority for its area.
