Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It was announced yesterday that on New Year's Day, the Government will introduce a road toll increase, the second in six months. The Government started kite-flying about this during the summer. It is madness that the Government would go ahead with this increase. People rely on the roads to get to work, to bring kids to school and to attend medical appointments in different parts of the country. In particular, people from more rural areas do not have an alternative as of yet to private transport or the use of a toll road. At a time where the cost of living is really hurting families and indeed business, this is not a time for such a hike in road tolls. A bit of common sense is required here. Could the Taoiseach ensure that the toll increases set for January do not go ahead?

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