Drivers face eight new tolls in bid to raise cash

MOTORISTS could be facing tolls on major roads within three years after the National Roads Authority (NRA) confirmed it is hiring consultants to examine the potential for “new tolling arrangements”.

It follows on from an NRA report — submitted to the previous government in October — that recommended eight new toll locations as well as an extension of tolling points on the M50 in Dublin.

The NRA’s National Roads Traffic Management Study claimed the Exchequer could raise an extra €62 million each year through the creation of tolls on the national road network.

It is estimated that the nine existing tolls have raised almost €2.2 billion since 2006.

While the previous study was commissioned by the former Fianna Fáil-Greens coalition, the NRA’s decision to press ahead with the recruitment of consultants to examine the issue further indicates the current Government is also anxious to explore the revenue-generating potential of new tolls.

An NRA spokesperson said it had advertised for consultants as it required “the provision of assistance, advice and management services in connection with existing and future tolling businesses”.

The NRA’s National Roads Traffic Management Study has proposed tolls, including two toll plazas on the N20 Cork-Limerick road at Croom and Mallow as well as the Jack Lynch Tunnel in Cork.

Other locations are the Dundalk bypass on the M1, the Ennis bypass on the N18 and the Tuam bypass on the N17/N18; the Arklow bypass on the N11 and the Carlow bypass on the N9.

It also proposed that the M50 toll station, which generates average revenue of €100m per annum, would be suitable for multi-point tolling whereby motorists would pay a toll on the distance they travel on the motorway.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar told an Oireachtas committee last week that no decision had been made about additional tolling but “consideration is being given to the matter”.

However, he pointed out that planning permission for the M50 in Dublin provides for multi-point tolling.

Mr Varadkar also said he would “love to be able to do something about the N20 and the Dunkettle roundabout” if tolls raised could be ring-fenced for road and public transport projects near toll locations.

The minister also reminded TDs and senators that a local government efficiency review had proposed additional tolling to fund road improvement and maintenance.

Transport sources said the Government was likely to press ahead with the introduction of tolls at some stage over the next five years as revenue from other taxes motorists pay, including VAT on fuel and VRT, was likely to decline due to the faltering economy as well as the expected increase in use of electric vehicles.

“The issue of new tolls would seem to be a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ given the need of the Government to raise new forms of revenue,” said one informed source.