Senator calls for Drogheda toll charges to be waived for local drivers entering the town

Fianna Fáil Senator Alison Comyn has called for a meeting with Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien amid fresh calls for the M1 toll at Drogheda to be removed. 

Senator Comyn said she raised the issue in the Seanad on December 9th, and said she set out "one practical solution that could deliver immediate relief". 

She proposed a locally targeted arrangement where local drivers who enter Drogheda to shop, work or visit, and exit again within a specific timeframe would have their toll waived or significantly reduced. 

She said the measure would support local business as well as reducing traffic pressure. 

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However, Senator Comyn acknowledged Transport Infrastructure Ireland's position is that it will not cancel the existing contract which remains in place until early 2034. 

She also acknowledged a recent motion put before the Drogheda Borough District calling for the removal of the toll.

While the motion received cross-party support from councillors, Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr Michelle Hall criticised the Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien saying, "the minister is not someone who follows through for Drogheda". 

Senator Comyn said the issue goes beyond party politics, saying “if we engage with the Minister on the basis of realism, cooperation and clear proposals, we stand a far better chance of achieving meaningful progress for Drogheda”.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.