State 'gave €6.4m in subsidies to toll bridge company'

The State reportedly gave €6.4m to National Toll Roads in 2002 and 2003 as compensation for refusing to allow the company to increase charges on Dublin’s Westlink toll bridge.

Reports this morning said the money was paid out during the construction of the second Westlink bridge.

Under an agreement with the State, NTR is allowed to increase tolls every year, but the State sought a zero increase during the construction of the second bridge because of the disruption caused to motorists.

This morning’s reports said the State was told this could only happen if it paid a “shadow toll” for each vehicle using the bridge.

The State reportedly agreed and gave the company €2.9m in 2002 and €3.5m in 2003.