I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 to 274, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Furthermore, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements relating to tolls on national roads is vested in Transport Infrastructure Ireland under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 as amended.
As indicated previously to the Deputy, the contractual arrangements relating to M1 tolls are, therefore, matters for TII. As part of the contract, the PPP Company is entitled to charge tolls in line with the approved toll scheme. The approved toll scheme provides for tolls on the main motorway and the Donore Interchange ramps. My understanding is that the Donore ramp toll plazas were installed to mitigate possible "rat running" with the adverse impacts that would have on local communities. In response to concerns expressed at the time about the possible impact on business in Drogheda, the approved toll scheme stipulates that where a vehicle exits the motorway, having paid a toll, and re-enters within three hours, no further charge is payable.
As the contractual provisions relating to the operation of the M1 and Donore ramp toll plazas, including the contract variation provisions, are matters for TII, I have referred the Deputy's Question to TII for reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.