Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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101. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he could exempt public service vehicles, such as taxis, from the peak-time toll prices (€12.50) at the Dublin Port Tunnel, as this incurs a substantial extra cost to a taxi fare which is passed onto the clients (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43607/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 , including tolls, 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). The setting of tolls is a statutory function of TII.

With regard to the payment mechanism associated with toll operations, it is a contractual obligation which may incorporate a traffic guarantee mechanism. Therefore, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.

In relation to the Dublin Tunnel specifically, it is important to point out the tolling arrangements also serve an important demand management function, to ensure that non-HGV traffic does not impede the transit of heavy goods vehicles to Dublin Port.

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