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

92. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the current contract for the toll in Watergrasshill, County Cork is due to expire; the engagement that has taken place with regard to extending the contract; the amount raised via toll roads nationwide since 2020 to date; the way in which the income was allocated; if further information can be provided on expenditure, by year and, by road, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63174/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to thank the Deputy for his question.

It is important to point out that as Minister for Transport, I have no formal role when it comes to tolls. The setting of tolls is a statutory function of TII.

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. These revenues are invested by TII in the operation and maintenance of the road network.

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. Toll revenue collected from PPP roads are used by the PPP companies to fund ongoing operations and maintenance activities, as well as to repay loans arising from the construction of the road.

I would add that road tolling aligns with national climate policy and the principle that the ‘user pays’, and if tolling revenue did not exist, it would be necessary to use additional exchequer funding to ensure that the national road network is maintained to a high standard. The use of PPP contracts has also allowed for the rapid expansion of our motorway network. PPP contracts allow for risk sharing with the private sector, and for the completion of critical public infrastructure without incurring upfront costs.

The M8 Rathcormac to Fermoy Bypass involved the construction of an 18 km stretch of road incorporating a new viaduct over the River Blackwater, and opened in 2006. The Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract for the scheme is due to expire on 11 June 2034. I can confirm that no engagement has taken place with regard to extending the contract. While it was not possible to provide a full response in the time available, I will ask my officials to contact the Deputy directly regarding the matters he has raised.