Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

There are a number of matters to address in the context of the M50. I will deal with the tolling issue, the widening of the lanes, interchanges and the upgrading of the road. As Deputy Rabbitte knows, a contract is being prepared by the NRA on widening and improvements which will constitute a costly operation. I understand the NRA hopes the works will commence later this year. A buy out of the National Toll Roads contract has not been considered. Any such consideration would have to take account of the costs involved and the implications for the funding of the M50 upgrade project, which is linked. The Government has been advised that the solution to congestion on the M50, including the Westlink bridge, is the M50 upgrade project and the move to barrier free tolling. The technology is available and it is working successfully in other countries. This is the advice to the Government and the Department of Transport and they believe these two projects will help. The Comptroller and Auditor General is carrying out a preliminary review of the Westlink concession with a view to deciding whether to carry out a full value for money analysis.

The decision to increase the tolls on the Westlink was taken by NTR. The toll charges are within the minimum allowed under the agreement and the increase reflects the fact the tolls were held below the maximum level between 2002 and 2004.

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