Willie Penrose TD

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As new motorway opens, workers face toll bill of €1,200 to travel to work

Issued : Wednesday 23 November, 2005

The Labour Party for Westmeath, Deputy Willie Penrose, has criticised the plan to introduce what he described as excessive tolls on the new Kilcock to Kinnegad motorway.

Deputy Penrose said that the plan would cost a worker living in Westmeath and driving to and from work in Dublin each day around €1,200 each year. “This will more than wipe out any increase that most workers have received this year under the Sustaining Progress Agreement. Indeed when the substantial increase in fuel is taken into account, most workers will be left considerably worse off than they were this time last year.

“Those living in Westmeath and commuting to Dublin each day have been looking forward to opening of the new stretch of motorway, which is due to take place next month. However, from January 1st those using this road will be forced to pay a toll of €2.50 each way. This represents €25 per week and allowing for a 48 week working year, it will amount to €1,200 per year.

“Indeed anyone travelling on to work on the North side of Dublin and who has to cross the West Link Bridge will face additional toll charges of €864 per year, giving a total annual bill of more than €2,000. Nobody should have to face charges of this nature for the right to drive to and from work, especially when there are so few viable public transport alternatives.

“I am now calling on the National Roads Authority to review the level of charges to be imposed. I am not convinced that motorists who are already contributing heavily to the Exchequer through tax and excise duties, but if tolls are to be imposed, some allowance or arrangement should be made for workers who have to use the roads to get to and from work.

“I raised this issue back in 1999 when the project was being planned and I registered my concerns for what this would mean for motorists who would use this motorway, especially on a regular basis, but it is clear that nobody listened. Why should workers from the midlands be penalised in this unfair way?