Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
199. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with toll companies regarding the upcoming toll increases; if he will consider extending the timeframe of the reduced toll rates given the cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29085/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the setting of tolls is a statutory function of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). As such, there is no formal consultative role for me as Minister in relation to tolls.
The "maximum toll" for each tolled scheme is set in accordance with the relevant scheme bye-laws, based on inflation. In the twelve month period used to calculate maximum tolls for 2023, inflation was obviously a significant issue. That was at the heart of the toll increases which were announced for the M50 and the eight PPP schemes in late 2022. Following this announcement, I directed that Departmental officials engage with TII to develop options that might allow for the suspension of the planned toll increases.
Following this direction, TII commenced engagement with all eight PPP companies and the suspension of these increases was agreed upon for a six month period until the end of June 2023. As this six-month period is coming to an end, the planned toll increases will come into effect in July 2023.
