Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 February 2018
536. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with TII to ensure that motorists are given greater notification regarding the toll charges along the M50 motorway (details supplied); if international transport companies can be requested to draw the attention of persons to this charge in order to avoid penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5592/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy in relation to national roads. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects on national roads are a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority. More specifically, the statutory powers to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).
The introduction of barrier-free tolling and the substantial investment made in upgrades of the M50, has been of significant benefit to drivers. Of necessity, an enforcement process has to be part of the barrier-free toll operation and TII is responsible for that, including assessing appropriate penalties for non-payment of tolls.
My Department has raised with TII the issue of maximising awareness of M50 tolls and it in turn has approached various organisations and companies in order to promote better awareness among tourists/visitors regarding the applicability of tolls.
Noting the above, I am referring the question to TII for direct reply within 10 working days. Please inform my private office if you do not receive the information.
