MOTORISTS have paid in the region of €75million in toll charges at Limerick Tunnel since the start of 2020.
According to figures obtained by Independent Ireland TD Richard O’Donoghue, €11.9m was collected in 2020, €13.7m in 2021, €17.8m in 2022, €21.1m in 2023, and €9.7m for the first five months of this year, which equates to an estimated €23.5m for 2024.
The tunnel, which is a Public Private Partnership, saw toll charges increase twice in recent times, a move which been criticised by Deputy O’Donoghue, General Secretary of Independent Ireland.
“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,” he stated.
“The framework underpinning this attack on motorists is set out in the government’s Climate Action Bill. I knew it would pave the way for additional carbon taxes, toll charges, and financial strain on motorists and transport operators, unfairly penalising all road users — including the countless people commuting to work daily via Limerick Tunnel.”
Deputy O’Donoghue deemed the price hikes on toll roads “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 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.”
Motorists have paid in the region of €1.4billion in charges across Ireland’s 10 tolled roads.
