Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the setting of tolls is a statutory function of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

In the twelve month period used to calculate maximum tolls for 2023, inflation was obviously a significant issue and that was at the heart of the toll increases announced for the M50 and the eight PPP schemes. In late 2022, I directed that Departmental officials engage with TII to develop options that might allow for the deferral of the planned toll increases. Following this direction, TII commenced engagement with all eight PPP companies and the deferral of these increases was agreed upon for a six month period until the end of June 2023.

It was estimated that the cost of deferring this increase for a six month period would be of the order of €12.5 million, based on the toll income which would be foregone by not applying the increase, along with administration charges and associated legal costs.

As this six month deferral is now coming to an end, the planned toll increases will come into effect in July 2023.