To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to recent comments from the chief executive of the National Roads Authority that the operation of the West Link toll plaza is not satisfactory and that it should be converted to a fully free-flow electronic toll collection; if he plans to introduce legislation to facilitate this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.-

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin. (Nominated by: Róisín Shortall).
For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 7th December, 2004.
Ref No: 32341/04 Lottery: 66 Proof: 109

Answered by the Minister for Transport (Martin Cullen)

Reply

The operation of the West Link Toll Plaza is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the tolling operator.

I am aware of the comments made by the NRA at the Joint Committee on Transport, in relation to the operation of the toll facilities at the West Link toll plaza, having regard to traffic volumes on the M50.

In the context of proposals for the upgrade of the M50, which will have a beneficial impact on traffic flows on and across the M50, a number of options in relation to the operation and location of the toll booths and measures to optimise toll plaza performance are being considered including in particular the use of barrier free tolling. Legislative measures to support the introduction of barrier free road tolling is also currently under consideration within my Department.