Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2005
125 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the outcome of his request to a company (details supplied) to review its plan to introduce a 20% hike in toll charges at the West-Link Bridge on the M50; the details of the request he made to this company; his views on the 20% increase that was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4779/05]
View answerI made no request to National Toll Roads to review its decision to increase toll charges at the West Link Bridge. The West-Link toll agreement, approved in principle by Government in October 1984 and concluded in October 1987, provides that the tolls can be increased in line with inflation. The maximum toll that can be charged at West-Link is updated each year by reference to the consumer price index. More specifically, the maximum toll from 1 January of any year is calculated as the aggregate of: the base tolls, as set out in the toll scheme by-laws, multiplied by the consumer price index for August of the preceding year divided by the opening index, as set out in the by-laws, and VAT at the prevailing rate on the amount derived pursuant to subparagraph (a) and the resulting amount is rounded to the nearest 10 cent.
This is the mechanism followed to determine annual maximum toll charges. Subject to the tolls being within this maximum limit the setting of tolls is a matter for NTR. It is open to NTR to apply lower toll charges should it so decide for commercial, or other reasons, as has been done by the company in the case of heavy goods vehicles.
