Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

122. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the new N/M20 Cork to Limerick motorway will be a toll road; his Department's general policy with regard to tolling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33855/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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).

There are currently eleven toll roads in the State, of which ten are on the national road network. Of the ten tolls on the national road network, two are essentially “public” tolls, namely the M50 and the Dublin Tunnel. Revenue from these tolls is collected directly for TII by operating companies under contract to TII.

The other eight roads are “Public Private Partnership” (PPP) roads which were constructed and are now operated and maintained under long term contracts with TII. Revenue generated by these roads is collected by the PPP company and is used to repay loans borrowed to fund the construction of the road and the ongoing operations, maintenance and life-cycle renewals.

With regard to the N/M20 project, the project team provided an update to members of the public earlier this month. The project team, in considering various options in relation to the delivery of this project, is currently recommending that the scheme should be tolled. However, no final decision has been taken in this regard. The introduction of tolling would be subject to compliance with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and further statutory approvals.