Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

My Department has not, to date, carried out an analysis on the future tolling of the M50. The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads and to enter toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the National Roads Authority under Part VI of the Roads Act 1993, as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000. Tolling of the M50, therefore, and any changes to the current tolling arrangements, is a matter, in the first instance, for the NRA. Given the transport policy issues involved, however, my approval would also be required for changes in current tolling arrangements.

In the context of the overall upgrade of the M50 the NRA is negotiating and seeking to agree with NTR a strategy for the upgrade of that section of the M50 operated by NTR, that is, the section between the Navan Road and Galway Road interchanges and the West Link toll facility. A key objective of these negotiations will be to agree a strategy for the move to barrier-free tolling on the M50. The conduct of these negotiations is a matter for the NRA and the final outcome will be submitted for my approval. For the sake of clarity, I have asked both sides to achieve this. Barrier-free tolling is a must.

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