Sinn Féin TD calls for halt to planned Irish toll hikes

Sinn Féin TD for Kerry, Pa Daly, has urged the government to scrap the planned increase in toll charges that were set to take effect on 1 January.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Daly argued that higher tolls would disproportionately affect people in areas with limited public transport and cited evidence that tolls do not reduce congestion. He noted that income from several toll sites has nearly doubled, pointing to the M8 toll near Fermoy, which rose from €11.9 million to €18.9 million – an increase of almost 60 %.

Daly reminded listeners that a 2022 motion had suspended earlier proposed toll rises and that the minister had previously pledged not to proceed with further hikes. He highlighted that eleven tolls operate across the country, two of which are publicly owned (the Port Tunnel and the M50), and that price increases are due in January.

The TD called for a review of public‑private partnership contracts and the overall tolling policy, arguing that the current system is costly, offers no clear congestion benefits and adds to the cost‑of‑living pressures on households.

Listeners to the programme shared concerns about personal expenses, with some reporting over €100 a month for short journeys and taxi operators facing €600‑€850 in monthly toll fees.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: David McElwee / Pexels.