Calls for Louth’s M1 toll to be removed as drivers hit with fee hikes

Louth TD for Sinn Féin Joanna Byrne has called for the removal of the M1 toll in Drogheda.

In Tuesday’s Dáil Éireann debate, Byrne criticised the government for making commuting more expensive for Louth residents.

She said: “In January, commuters will face increased bus and train fares - happy new year, indeed. On top of that, the Government is putting up M1 toll costs locally for us by 10 cent per journey, which will mean the average daily commuter using the M1 will pay over €1,000 per year on that toll alone. For many, it could be close to €1,200.

“My opinion on the M1 toll road is the same as it has always been: there should be no toll road in Drogheda. The gold-plated public-private partnership contracts that permit these toll increases are a legacy of bad economic decisions made by successive Fianna Fáil-led Administrations.

“The M1 Dundalk western bypass PPP contract was awarded to the Celtic Roads Group Dundalk Limited consortium in February 2004. It will run for a 30-year term.

“The scheme involved construction of an 11 km stretch of road forming part of the N1/M1 national primary route in the vicinity of the town of Dundalk, County Louth. Dundalk got the road but Drogheda got the toll.

“I call on the Government not only to scrap any proposed toll increases but to review the PPP toll arrangement on the M1 and end that contract once and for all.

“Locals in Drogheda have had to live with severely congested roads as commuters divert into the town to avoid paying the toll. With every increase, that congestion gets worse.

“The slip road tolls are an additional tax on people living, working, shopping and visiting in Drogheda. We have congestion on roads, packed-out buses and trains and commuters are paying a fortune for the privilege of getting to work.

“At a time when my constituents face rising cost-of-living pressures in rent, energy, food and fuel, they do not need the Government to inflict another cost hike on them just for getting into and out of Drogheda for work, education or essential health services.

“It is nothing but another slap in the face to the people I represent. It is in the Minister's power to stop this proceeding in January. He has an opportunity to show the people he sees them and, more importantly, hears them. Scrap the toll hikes.”

Minister for Transport Deputy Darragh O'Brien said: “I welcome the chance to discuss measures that are being undertaken to deliver radical improvements in public transport across the State.

“As such, I have tabled a counter-motion to the Sinn Féin motion on toll charges.

“There are 11 toll roads in the State, ten of which are on the national road network. Of the ten toll roads on the national road network, two are publicly operated, namely the M50 and Dublin Tunnel.

“Revenue from these tolls is collected directly for TII by operating companies under contract with TII. These revenues are invested by TII in the operation and maintenance of the national 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.

“Revenue generated by these roads is collected by the PPP companies and is used to repay loans arising from the construction of the roads and to fund ongoing operations and maintenance activities.

“It is an investment priority to ensure that the existing motorway and national road networks, which have been greatly enhanced over the past two decades, are maintained to a high level to ensure high-quality service, accessibility and connectivity for transport users.”