Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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234. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he was consulted about the proposed increase in toll charges; if he supports increasing toll charges at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58167/22]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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235. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount paid to toll operators in Ireland in relation to traffic guarantee clauses in the years 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58168/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.

As Minister for Transport, 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. Therefore, matters relating to the day-to-day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are a statutory function of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll Bye-Laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). The Act does not provide for a consultative function with the Minister in relation to specific toll increases.

With regard to the payment mechanism associated with toll operations, it is governed by the Bye-Laws which exist for each tolling scheme. Additionally, in the case of the privately-operated toll schemes, there are contracts which are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned. The individual Bye-Laws for each scheme governs how toll increases may take place, which is in line with the Consumer Price Index. In addition to funding the operations and maintenance of the roads concerned, toll revenues also support the protection and renewal of the wider national road network.

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply as to the total amount paid to toll operators. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.