Roads authority in drive to ease M50 congestion
The recommendations could include a controversial buyout of the contract to operate the Westlink toll bridge.
An Oireachtas committee yesterday heard motorists using the M50 will face serious delays for another three years unless interim measures are taken.
However, it emerged the NRA is in talks with the Department of Transport about more immediate solutions to alleviate frequent gridlock on the M50.
One possibility is the buying out of the contract held by National Toll Roads (NTR) to operate the Westlink toll bridge, which could cost the Government up to €400 million.
NRA chief executive Fred Barry said it was examining a range of options to address traffic problems on the M50.
He described the buyout of the NTR contract as “a potential development,” although such a decision rests ultimately with the Government.
However, he declined to comment on the outcome of meetings with transport officials because of the “commercially sensitive” nature of the subject.
Mr Barry later acknowledged it was clear removing the toll booths at the Westlink would ease congestion.
The NRA is expected to make a specific recommendation to Transport Minister Martin Cullen on the matter within three months. But Mr Barry stressed the NRA had not discussed the option of buying out the Westlink contract with NTR. An NTR spokesperson declined to comment.
The NRA admitted that electronic tolling (otherwise known as barrier-free tolling), which is the preferred option for removing congestion on the M50, would not be available before the latter half of 2008.
