Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Apr 1990

Vol. 397 No. 10

Written Answers. - Effect of Toll Charges.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

25 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if he has carried out an assessment of the effect of toll charges on the volume of traffic which will use the proposed Dublin motorway ring road when finished; the estimated traffic flow (a) with a toll and (b) without a toll; the number of toll points for the motorway; the control which will be exercised over the toll charges and their variation; the controls over heavy lorry traffic travelling across Dublin city which will be implemented on completion of the proposed motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

In June 1988 my Department commissioned a study relating to the impact of tolling on the traffic potential of the Dublin Ring Road, the optimum levels of tolls and the optimum locations of access points and of toll booths. Copies of this study have been placed in the Oireachtas Library.

In March 1989 my Department invited private sector investment proposals for a toll franchise for the Dublin Ring Road. Negotiations on a proposal have reached an advanced stage.

A decision to toll further sections of the Dublin Ring Road, including the level of the toll charges and their variation, is a matter for Dublin County Council. When completed, this road will link up the national radial routes approaching the city, facilitating the distribution of through traffic and removing it from the suburban network. Controls over heavy traffic travelling across Dublin city when the ring road has been completed will be matters for the Garda Commissioner in the first instance.