Dublin: Motorists across Ireland will face higher toll charges from January 1 next year, with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) confirming an increase in toll rates on several major routes, including the M50 motorway and Dublin Port Tunnel.
Under the revised structure, tolls on the M50 and Port Tunnel will rise by up to 10 cents, while some heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) will face increases of up to 20 cents.
For commuters travelling southbound through the Port Tunnel during the 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. rush hour, tolls will rise by 1 cent, from €13 to €14. TII said the adjustment aims to discourage non-HGV traffic during peak hours to reduce congestion.
All categories of vehicles using the M50 will face higher tolls — except for unregistered cars without a tag or video account. HGVs weighing over 10,000 kilograms with video accounts will see a 20-cent increase in their toll rates.
On other routes, tolls will increase by 10 cents for motorway users on the M4 (Kilcock to Kinnegad) and M3 (Clonee to Kells). HGVs with four or more axles and weighing over 3,500 kilograms on the M4 will face a 20-cent increase.
Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy criticised the decision, urging the government to halt the toll hike, which he said would add financial pressure on working families already struggling with rising carbon taxes, fuel prices, and insurance costs. “The government should be supporting people, not making their lives more difficult,” Carthy said.
In its statement, TII explained that toll rates are linked to inflation and cannot exceed the allowable limit. It added that the funds collected are essential for the annual maintenance, operation, and upgrading of Ireland’s national road network.
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