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Road Tolls

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2019

Tuesday, 5 November 2019

Ceisteanna (937)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

937. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of policy in relation to tolling on the M50 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45010/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As I previously stated, as Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, 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.

The Government has no plans to introduce alternative tolling arrangements on the M50 at the present time.

Following the publication of the M50 Demand Management Study in April 2014, TII implemented a range of measures designed to improve the operational efficiency of the route, particularly at peak times. These include modifications to the merge and diverge layouts at junctions, increased incident access points and increased provision of incident response units. Measures to improve incident management co-operation with the emergency services, including An Garda Síochána and Dublin Fire Brigade, have also been developed and are monitored to ensure that optimum procedures are in place to minimise delays caused by traffic incidents.

In addition, the introduction of the Variable Speed Limit system on the M50 will improve its operational efficiency by smoothing traffic flow, improving journey time reliability and reducing the number of traffic collisions. This will be achieved through the setting of mandatory reduced speed limits, appropriate to the prevailing traffic conditions, using electronic speed limit signs displayed overhead each lane. Also, Lane Control Signalling will be installed, allowing the temporary closure of lanes which will be signalled by a red 'X' over the closed lane on the overhead illuminated gantry signage, to protect road users and emergency services during an incident on the route.

I hope that this information is of assistance to you.

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