Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

All I can do is repeat the answer I gave the Deputy. The suggestion was made by the local government efficiency review group. It was mentioned in the capital programme 2010-16. In light of those recommendations, the NRA was asked to examine the options for a new tolling strategy. The authority has completed a report, which I received at the back end of last week. I will have a look at the report and, on foot of that, a decision will be made on whether we will go ahead with tolls, whether they are necessary and what design might be used, if we proceed. There are conflicting recommendations in the two reports. One says some of the money should be available to fund local authorities while the other says the money should stay with the NRA. We do not, and will not, have the same funding available for maintenance or repair of roads as we had over the past decade. That is why this is being considered. When one gets such reports, one must consider the pros and cons. When they are discussed and decided by the Government, I will bring the news to the House.

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