Noel Dempsey
Question:4 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the policy of tolling ring-roads around our cities. [16012/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Tolls.
Ivor Callely
Question:59 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment his views on tolling of roads; the roads that maybe considered for such tolling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16274/95]
Ivor Callely
Question:182 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the tolling of roads; the consideration, if any, he has given to the effect that such tolling may have; the roads being considered for such tolls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13693/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 4, 59 and 182 together.
The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll by-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors is vested in the National Roads Authority under Part V of the Roads Act, 1993. Road authorities have similar powers in relation to the tolling of non-national roads.
The initiative in deciding which roads, if any, might be subject to tolls rests with the National Roads Authority or the road authority, as appropriate. However, a number of procedures must be complied with before a toll can be imposed on any road. These include the making of a toll scheme, the giving of public notice and the submission of the scheme for the approval of the Minister. Where there are objections, a public inquiry must be held before a final decision can be taken on the scheme.
As the Minister for the Environment I have, therefore, a quasi-judicial function in relation to individual toll schemes. It would not be appropriate for me, in these circumstances to comment on possible tolling proposals for individual roads, or categories of roads, or to offer any other comments which might be regarded as prejudicing the future exercise of that statutory function.
I should add, however, that the National Development Plan, 1994-99, sets out guidelines on the tolling of national roads which are similar to those adopted by successive Governments since 1985. The guidelines provide that any funding obtained from tolls would be regarded as additional to the planned State investment and used to accelerate the development of the national road network; there would be public competition for each private toll franchise and for the construction of each toll road: all toll roads would be designed, constructed, maintained and operated to agreed standards normally applicable to national roads; all toll roads would be public roads in the ownership of local authorities and subject to normal traffic management and other legislative controls; any private toll franchise would be limited to an agreed period of years and would revert to the National Roads Authority at the end of that period: private investment should generally meet at least 20 per cent of the capital cost of the toll road, with the exact level being determined by negotiation in each individual case; and the assessment of all toll proposals would have regard to the diversion of traffic likely to be caused by tolling and the probable impact on adjacent residential areas.
I should also point out that these guidelines were endorsed in the Operational Programme for Transport, which was launched this week last year by my predecessor, Deputy Michael Smith. and the former Minister for Transport. Energy and Communications, Deputy Brian Cowen. That programme indicated it was anticipated that up to £100 million might be raised from tolling national roads and that the NRA had been asked to conduct a thorough review of the scope for such tolling.
I thank the Minister for his very full response but my question related specifically to the tolling of ring roads around cities. Will he confirm that he will have the final say in regard to the roads to be tolled? Will he respond to the point repeatedly made that tolling ring roads around cities causes immense environmental damage and is not an acceptable practice either here or in any European country?
On the question of the statutory power, the law is quite clear and I have given the details. The final decision on whether to approve a scheme ultimately rests with the Minister for the Environment, subject to the various guidelines I have outlined.
On the question of tolling ring roads, I am loath to get involved in the pros and cons of any particular road scheme which might be submitted to me by the National Roads Authority or any other body for determination. I have a quasi-judicial role in determining toll schemes and I can assure the Deputy that I will give careful consideration to any proposal submitted to me and ensure that its impact on the environment is assessed and that no decision is arrived at which would have a detrimental environmental impact.
Does the Minister accept that the National Roads Authority's invitation for the submission of proposals for a toll franchise is based on the assumption that the Minister will grant a toll on this road? It is clear that the National Roads Authority is operating on the basis that it will get permission.
All those lovely phrases articulated by the Minister, "public inquiries,""public objections," etc., mean nothing; the decision has already been taken.
The National Roads Authority knows what the law is and it will have to be complied with by State agencies. The NRA will take comfort from the stated Government position outlined in the operational programme launched this week last year by my predecessor that it should raise up to £100 million in tolls. While it is no doubt considering avenues by which this revenue might be raised the decision will ultimately rest with the Minister following the procedure laid down in law.
Will the Minister confirm that the document launched by his predecessor does not contain a specific proposal that any ring road should be tolled?
It was announced on 9 November 1994—I can circulate a copy of the statement to the Deputy—that there would be an income of £100 million from tolls which would be available for reinvestment in the national roads system under the auspices of the NRA.
But not specifically ring roads.