AA and hauliers hit out at toll plans

The Automobile Association and road hauliers have criticised Transport Minister Seamus Brennan’s plans to toll the new stretch of motorway between Portlaoise and Cullahill in Co Laois.

Both groups said the toll, which could be up to €6 for articulated trucks, would discourage such vehicles from using the new road.

The AA said these large trucks would continue to use minor roads through small towns in the area, defeating one of the purposes of the motorway project.

However, Mr Brennan defended his plan. “Infrastructure is expensive, it has to be paid for and we either pay for it our of tax money or we try to recover some of it from the companies and the people who use the motorways,” he said.