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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 2

Written Answers. - Traffic Management.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

111 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider seeking the agreement of National Toll Roads to open the West Link bridge free of charge to motorists at peak periods in view of the very severe traffic problems in the west Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13698/03]

The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll by-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the National Roads Authority under Part V of the Roads Act 1993, as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000. Any proposal to open the West Link bridge free of charge to motorists at peak times would require an amendment to the relevant tolling agreement, which would be a matter for the NRA to consider given its statutory role and powers. As the Deputy is aware, the M50 has experienced substantial traffic growth since its first phase opened in 1991. The second West Link bridge, which is expected to open to traffic in August 2003, will significantly ease congestion at the toll booths. I understand that the NRA is also considering additional improvements to the M50 to further ease congestion.

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