Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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182. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the recent toll road increases and the specific effect it has on areas such as Inchicore, Chapelizod and the Phoenix Park with cars using those areas to avoid toll roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56565/23]

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 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). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to traffic volumes on tolled motorways. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

With regard to regional and local roads, such as those in the areas you have referred to, traffic management is a matter for the local authorities concerned.