Road Tolls

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017

Tuesday, 2 May 2017

Ceisteanna (1300)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1300. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to in effect a 23% increase in toll charges on the M50 which will cause undue hardship on the haulage industry; if his attention has been further drawn to the ruling of the Court of Justice that European toll charges are not subject to VAT; if he will liaise with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to postpone these charges; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these new toll charges, along with current insurance premiums, have the potential to close down haulage companies; and if he will meet the Irish Road Haulage Association to discuss this matter following a request from same. [19363/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy in relation to roads.  More specifically, the statutory powers to levy tolls on national roads as well as regional and local roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors are vested in TII (for national roads) and each local authority (for regional and local roads) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).

 The position with regard to VAT on tolls is that, following the initial finding, TII absorbed the cost of VAT within the pre-existing tolls and did not impose an increased charge. In other words, VAT was shown as part of the total toll charge. From 1st April 2017, the toll charge will no longer show a VAT element. There is no variation in the overall cost and there has been no variation in the overall toll cost since 2010.

Given the very clear position of myself as Minister, as set out above, and TII statutory provisions, any meeting regarding tolls would have to be with TII.  As Minister I have no role in relation to toll charges or VAT.  Noting the above position, I have referred the matter to TII for a more detailed reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.