NRA considering Westlink toll bridge buyout

The National Roads Authority is considering a buy-out of the controversial Westlink toll bridge in Dublin.

The bridge causes major traffic disruption on a daily basis.

NRA chief executive Fred Barry told the Oireachtas transport committee yesterday the Authority had held discussions with the Department of Transport about the possibility of a €500m buy-out.

The bridge was built by a private company, which has the right to levy tolls for several years to come.

If the Government does decide to purchase the facility, tolls could scrapped during rush hour in an effort to improve traffic flow.

Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has previously rejected calls to take the bridge into the control of the State.