Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One always uses local examples in regard to tolling. There is a fine motorway from Cork to Dublin with tolls on the M7 and the M8. However, there is uproar in Fermoy because of the non-usage of the motorway by people avoiding the toll. What relevant information can we present in that regard to people, communities and hauliers, many of whom, in fairness, acknowledge the cost benefit of using the motorway? Has there been any recent study to show the savings for a lorry using the motorway and bypass for a week rather than going through the town? Are there any figures such as that which could be used to get into the mindset of hauliers or car users? More traffic lights have recently been installed in Fermoy and have caused further build up of traffic, which may be a reason for this issue coming to a head in the area. I acknowledge that there is a cost saving if one uses the motorway but we need an updated economic study to show that one will save money by using the motorway and bypass rather than travelling through Fermoy or on nearby byroads.