Ahern rejects calls for Govt to buy out West-link toll bridge

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has rejected calls for the Government to buy out the West-link toll bridge on the M50 motorway in Dublin.

The bridge was built by private operators under a 1987 agreement and is operated by National Toll Roads, which can charge for use of the facility up until 2020.

A recent increase in tolls on the bridge, coupled with growing congestion at the toll booths, has led to anger among the motoring public and calls for the Government to buy out the toll contract.

However, speaking in the Dáil today, Mr Ahern said the Government had no plans to do so.

He said the solution to congestion problems was to upgrade the motorway and move to barrier-free tolls.