Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2006
46 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the reports he has received from the National Roads Authority to date in relation to their proposal to buy out the private toll on the M50; the information supplied to him from any source on the likely charge to the Exchequer of buying out the toll; when the toll will be bought out; and the reason for the ongoing delay in bringing forward legislation for open road tolling on the M50. [30069/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, last January, the National Roads Authority (NRA) decided to terminate discussions with National Toll Roads plc (NTR) in relation to the upgrading of the West-Link toll facility. Instead the NRA is separately procuring a barrier free toll system, which will become operational in 2008. NTR will be compensated in accordance with the existing West-Link Agreement.
The exact details of the arrangements, including compensation, remain to be finalised between NRA and NTR and as these discussions are ongoing at present, I would not wish to pre-empt their outcome.
In relation to barrier free tolling legislation, my officials are currently preparing proposals for a Roads Amendment Bill 2006 to strengthen the statutory basis. I hope to bring the Bill before the Oireachtas before the end of this year.
