Outsourcing move raises toll fears for Jack Lynch Tunnel

There are fears that users of the Jack Lynch Tunnel in Cork may be facing a new toll.

It comes after a decision was taken to transfer management of the tunnel to the same company that looks after Dublin's tolled Port Tunnel.

Egis Road and Tunnel Operation Ireland will now become the sole responsibility for its management after the NRA awarded it the contract which had formerly been given to Cork City Council.

FG's @jerrybuttimer says categorically there will be no toll on the Jack Lynch tunnel during government's term in office #Cork

— Eoin English (@EoinBearla) November 11, 2014

Fianna Fáil Cork City Councillor Terry Shannon says tolls across the country are high enough without introducing another one.

Mr Shannon said: "I mean a round-trip to Dublin at the moment for someone going from Cork to Dublin is €14.80 for just tolls alone between Fermoy, Portlaoise and the M50.

"If you were to go to Belfast on a return trip it wouldcost nearly €18 just for tolls alone.

"The concern that we have is that 70,000 cars go through the tunnel every day, and for many people working in east Cork or living in east Cork and coming to work in the city, this will be a tax."