Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was interested in certain reports in the media this morning outlining the NRA's views on multi-point tolling as a potential solution to congestion on the M50. I know a number of people living along the M50, in Carpenterstown and Castleknock, who would have concerns about multi-point tolling. Even if we are told it could be cheaper, most people know the reality is that we will be paying more for journeys on the M50, against a backdrop of road tax and fuel prices going up. It is just not something I would welcome. I believe it would be counterproductive as it would lead to traffic displacement if the tolls become more expensive as a consequence. Traffic would move into residential areas around the M50. For the people in and around Castleknock and the Phoenix Park, this is a point of great concern. It is exactly what the M50 was intended to help us avoid.In its own report, the National Roads Authority, NRA, suggests that measures such as varying the tolls based on peak times is something that could be done in conjunction with the introduction of multi-point tolling systems. However, the question that must be asked is why that cannot be done now in the same way it has been done with the port tunnel. Surely there are ways of reducing tailbacks and congestion without the all too easy mantra of "Let's charge more"? It seems clear that demand management measures must be considered and, therefore, I am calling for a debate on the NRA's recent comments on multi-point tolling and, in particular, for it to come up with some measures to ease congestion on the M50, which is the most used road in the country and a vital economic corridor. I would like to hear the Minister for Transport's views on the matter and whether we are in the same position that we were in in 2013 when the Department was opposed to these moves.