Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 November 2022
68. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport the reason that Civil Defence vehicles and State vehicles have to pay tolls on some toll roads; if these vehicles can be added to the list of exempted vehicles for toll charges (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57003/22]
View answer70. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport the reason that Civil Defence vehicles (details supplied) as State vehicles have to pay tolls on some toll roads and if these vehicles will be added to the list of exempted vehicles for toll charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57044/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 70 together.
As 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 and the establishment of a system of tolls, 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).
With regard to the payment mechanism associated with toll operations, it is a contractual obligation which incorporates a traffic guarantee mechanism. Therefore, 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 to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
