Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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231. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reconsider the current tolling structure on the M50, given increased numbers of workers returning to office-based employment and rising toll costs are significantly adding to the financial burden of daily commuting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65066/25]

Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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232. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will examine reducing or removing M50 toll charges for hauliers, particularly as the M50 is State-owned, in order to alleviate rising operational costs in the haulage sector and support the movement of goods nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65067/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 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.

Noting the above position, I have referred the question regarding tolls to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.