Commuters need better transport services - not more tolls

West Wicklow commuters are being asked to pay increased tolls while transport services need to be improved.

Fine Gael councillor Edward Timmins criticised Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s decision to hike tolls by 10% for cars, buses, and coaches travelling on the M50 from January 1. The general election candidate also pointed out that the Dublin Port Tunnel toll will also see an increase from €12 to €13 for southbound traffic during the morning peak.

“I understand that TII has said this increase is happening in line with inflation, but we can’t see increased financial pressure for drivers,” said Cllr Timmins.

He added that Wicklow commuters have already experienced increases in the price of petrol and diesel and “we can’t put further pressures on people regularly travelling along these roads.”

Any added financial pressure to road users right now is unacceptable and can’t be introduced without consultation, he said.

“Toll revenue is important for maintaining our road network, but it should not come at the expense of everyday drivers who rely on these routes for work, college, or to stay connected to their families. We don’t want to see any changes that add to the cost of living for people in Wicklow at the moment”. 

He called on TII to engage with those who regularly use these roads to ensure we address the real challenges commuters face rather than increasing cost. 

“Instead we need to shift the focus to the big issue of the N81 (which connects west Wicklow with Dublin) upgrade which has fallen off the agenda in recent years and extending the Dart and Luas”.