Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. O'Neill's comments about the effectiveness of the existing service stations because I use them every day, particularly along the M1. They are efficient but they are not cost competitive. They are closed shops and motorists pay more for petrol and diesel, although they are more convenient. The contracts are for 25 years. What can be done to test or proof charges in these service areas? Petrol stations are often cheaper than a typical Applegreen along the motorway where the costs are higher. Does the TII examine this? Is a service area a licence to print money in some cases? I appreciate the convenience and the quality of the service but we are being ripped off in many service areas.