NRA suggests doubling number of tolled roads

The National Roads Authority (NRA) is proposing that more roads in the country should be tolled.

The NRA has said that the Exchequer could take in another €62m a year under its plans.

It suggests doubling the number of tolled roads, with new charges recommended on eight routes across the State.

They are the Dundalk bypass, the N20 at Croom in Co Limerick, the N20 at Mallow in Co Cork, the N18 Ennis bypass, the N9 Carlow bypass and the Jack Lynch Tunnel in Cork.

Other roads that could be tolled in future include the N17/18 Tuam bypass and the N11 Arklow bypass.

Responding to the proposals, director of policy at AA Ireland Conor Faughnan said that the level of income that would be generated is not sufficient over the long term.

"To add eight new toll schemes causing massive disruption to eight towns, with all of the associated cost… and the net gain to the Exchequer is only €62m a year - I mean it's ridiculous," he said.