Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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343. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated annual, first year and full-year costs of deferring toll charge increases. [29952/25]

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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344. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the estimated annual, first-year and full-year costs of deferring toll charge increases, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29953/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 343 and 344 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 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.

It is important to point out that there is no formal consultative role for the Minister when it comes to tolls, it is a matter for TII. The setting of the toll rate is driven by inflation calculations which are carried out in the second half of each year, as such, it is not yet possible to state what changes may be made to toll rates in 2026.

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply outlining the process by which any changes to toll rates are determined. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.