Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
228. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of any plans to increase toll costs again this year; the estimated cost of deferring such a move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14682/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, 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.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Toll charges are reviewed annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will take place towards the end of this year, and it will only then be possible to indicate if toll charges will change in 2025. As such, there is no basis for any further increase in tolls to be applied during 2024.
