‘Bad deal’ sees State pay toll operators €8m

Almost €8m has been paid to compensate the private toll companies operating the Limerick Tunnel and M3 motorway for lower- than-expected traffic volumes.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar confirmed that the State is contractually obliged to pay a minimum traffic guarantee clause to the operators of both routes and the contract cannot be altered unless both parties agree.

However, independent TD Catherine Murphy claimed the National Roads Authority “withheld information about the minimum guaranteed amounts” during oral hearings with the public. She demanded the minister should examine the possibility of renegotiating the contracts.