Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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62. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns of commuters in relation to the proposed increase in toll costs; if his attention has been further drawn to reports that commuters on a relatively short journey from County Cavan to Dublin have to travel through two tolls and a third if they use the Port Tunnel; his views on this, given that daily commuters on this route incur substantial costs in getting to work primarily; if he will ensure that costs are not increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58294/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 within the remit 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).

My Department has responsibility for overall funding and policy, and for the corporate governance of TII. Department officials meet with TII on a regular basis and discuss a wide range of matters. This includes the matter of tolls. Toll increases, if any, are calculated annually by TII in the case of the M50 and Dublin Tunnel, and by PPP companies in the case of the remaining eight schemes. Any toll increase may not exceed the calculated maximum toll for the year, which is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

In addition to supporting the maintenance and operation of the toll roads concerned, toll income contributes to the protection and renewal of the wider national road network, safeguarding the major investment which has taken place in recent decades.