Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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240. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the ownership of the M50 toll bridge and contractual relationships with third parties; if his attention has been drawn to the traffic congestion at the toll bridge side of County Dublin that is resulting from traffic avoiding the bridge and the impact this has on local villages; if he has conducted studies on this impact; if he has considered removing the toll or if measures will be introduced in relation to tolling has been considered into studies in relation to traffic management around Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41481/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into contractual agreements with third parties are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.