Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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529. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of variable operational payments paid by the National Roads Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland in respect of under usage of the N18 Limerick Tunnel in each year to date in 2016; the future cost for the duration of the public private partnership based on projected future usage levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16760/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The implementation of individual national road schemes, including the N18 Limerick Tunnel is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015.

In addition, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agremeents with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in TII under part V of the Roads Act (as amended).

The contracts for the privately operated toll schemes (such as the Limerick Tunnel) are commercial agreements between TII and the PPP concessionaires concerned.  Noting this position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for further reply. Please advise my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.