Irish motorists shoulder €1.426 billion toll burden amid Government’s double toll hike

Tipperary Deputy Mattie McGrath has obtained data revealing a staggering toll burden shouldered by Irish motorists. Since the start of 2020 through May 2024, motorists have paid an astonishing €1.426 billion in toll charges for ten toll roads across the country.

This financial strain on motorists follows the government’s decision to increase toll charges twice within a year, the latest hike effective from January 1, 2024.

Speaking, Deputy McGrath stated: “Of the ten toll roads on the national road network, eight are operated under a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme, while the M50 and Dublin Tunnel are managed on behalf of the state by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

“The M8 Fermoy Bypass, for instance, has seen tolls skyrocket by 57% in just four years, from €10.7 million in 2020 to €16.8 million in 2023.”

He further added, “The price hikes on toll roads are a manifestation of the Green Party’s policy of discouraging car usage, a policy that is being endorsed and supported by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. The M50 Toll, owned by the state and paid for repeatedly by the Irish people, is a prime example.”

Deputy McGrath expressed his concern over the government’s decision to increase toll prices amidst the most severe cost of living crisis in recent memory. He argues “that the government’s ‘green agenda’ is a thinly veiled excuse to exploit ordinary motorists and commuters, who are already grappling with the highest cost of living in recent memory.”

“Motorists are also struggling with high fuel and electricity prices, a situation exacerbated by this government. Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, and the Greens have increased excise on petrol several times in the last two years, and they plan to raise the cost of Carbon tax on fuel again in this year’s Budget.

“The cumulative effect of all these additional charges is that the government is repeatedly exploiting motorists.”

Deputy McGrath pointed out that the government is now collecting more VAT on petrol and diesel than ever before, with a staggering €2.3 billion in fuel tax in 2022, escalating to an almost inconceivable €3.8 billion in 2023 - the highest on record.

“The stark reality unveiled by these figures is that the Government is not just profiting but thriving on the back of additional charges imposed on motorists, all while conveniently ignoring the financial distress inflicted upon ordinary citizens.

“The framework underpinning this attack on motorists is set out in the government’s Climate Action Bill, which is why all my colleagues and I in the Rural Independent Group voted against the legislation in the Dail.

“We knew it would pave the way for additional carbon taxes, toll charges, and financial strain on motorists and transport operators, unfairly penalizing all road users - including the countless people commuting to work daily,” concluded Deputy McGrath.