Road tolls rip-off should be challenged

ROAD improvement costs were estimated at €1.7 billion last year, but the income from motor taxation was more than twice that, at €3.8 billion.

Why then do we need road tolls? Why are politicians and other vested interests calling for the M3 to be built immediately without any mention of the punitive double tolling of the route which has no precedent on this island?

A Cavan motorist travelling to Dublin and back will have to stop at tolling stations four times and pay approximately €11 in total - the likely price of a return trip when toll inflation and the construction time of the M3 are taken into account.

What of the thousands of commuters in our county who rely on Dublin and its hinterland for their work? What of the hundreds of young couples in fast-growing towns such as Virginia, Mullagh, Bailieboro and Kingscourt who will have to pay these tolls on a daily basis, on top of mortgages, childcare and other borrowings? It is time for politicians in Cavan, and indeed Meath, to answer to the people.

In view of the €2.1 billion underspend on road infrastructure, are they for or against tolling? Cavan and Meath people should be angry over this rip-off.

Sean McKiernan (Jnr)

Trinity Bungalow

Virginia Road

Bailieboro

Co Cavan