Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Transport, further to his announcement on 27 January 2006 on the introduction of barrier-free tolling on the M50, the outcome of recent talks between the National Roads Authority and the National Toll Roads on barrier-free tolling; his plans in respect of the existing licensing agreement with the National Toll Roads and the financial consideration involved; the rationale for extending the tolling regime to the entire M50; the projected revenue which same will generate; his views on the likelihood of such a regime leading to traffic diverting from the M50 and rat-running through adjoining residential areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3799/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As announced by the National Roads Authority on 27 January, the NRA has, with my agreement, terminated its negotiations with National Toll Roads on the upgrade of the West Link section of the M50. The NRA now proposes to remove the West Link toll plaza in 2008 and to install a barrier free toll system on the M50. The move to free flow tolling on the M50 will require the completion by the NRA of a comprehensive traffic study and will be subject to the statutory procedures applicable to the making of a toll scheme. The NRA's specific proposals, following the completion of the traffic study, for the tolling of the M50 will be submitted for the approval of the Government.

In parallel with its work on the traffic study, the NRA will shortly initiate a public procurement process to select a free flow toll operator. Details of future tolling rates and other aspects of the toll regime will be determined on the basis of the outcome of the traffic study and this will include consideration of potential traffic diversion rates. The compensation payable to NTR will be a matter for negotiation in the first instance between the parties to the West Link toll agreement in accordance with the terms of that agreement.