Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Transport following receipt of a report from the National Roads Authority in December 2010 on increased numbers of tolling stations on national primary routes, if he will publish this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2301/11]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The local government efficiency review group recommended the introduction of new tolling schemes on national roads, both new and existing, based on an equitable distribution of tolling points across the national network, with a proportion of revenue being used to invest in local and regional roads. The Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010-2016 document also referred to the possible introduction of further tolling on national roads and recommended that any additional income generated through tolling should be retained by the National Roads Authority, NRA, to help fund ongoing road investment.

In light of these recommendations the NRA was asked to examine options for a new tolling strategy. The authority's initial report was presented to me in November 2010. At this point, however, no decisions have been made in regard to additional tolling on specific national roads. I will be informing my Government colleagues about the position in regard to the investigation of options for a future tolling strategy shortly, and consideration will be given to publication of the options report in that context.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Will the Minister publish the report so that we can have a discussion on the justification, or not, for increasing the number of tolling points on the motorway infrastructure?

A story broke last week to the effect that the NRA is now requesting that toll prices be reduced at five tolling stations in line with deflation. What has the response been from the tolling companies to this proposal? I understand only one of them has responded positively. Does the Minister have an understanding as to why we have waited until now to call to task tolling companies which are clearly overcharging consumers in the context of consistent deflation since 2008?

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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We have not yet published the report from the NRA because I have not completed my consideration of it and have not brought it to my Government colleagues for their information and consideration. On the second point, that is a matter for the NRA, which has direct responsibility in this regard. It is a contractual matter and not one in which I have a role.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Does the Minister not think it appropriate that he should comment on the fact that in five instances, consumers have been consistently ripped off and overcharged when using tolling booths on the national motorway infrastructure? As Minister for Transport, he has responsibility for the NRA. It is the authority's job to implement Government policy, roll out infrastructure and put in place contractual arrangements with tolling companies where appropriate, but when consumers are being overcharged and ripped off in using publicly owned infrastructure, surely the Minister has something to say.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As I said, this is a contractual matter between the NRA and the tolling company. It is not one in which I, as Minister, have a direct control or say. Given that the matter may end up in court, I do not want to be in a position where I might jeopardise anything the NRA may do. As far as I am concerned, the cheaper the toll charges, the better for motorists.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The time for Priority Questions has expired. We will now move on to ordinary questions.