Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is set to introduce higher toll rates on the National Road Network starting January 1, 2025. This adjustment is in response to a 1.7% increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded between August 2023 and August 2024. The revised toll fees will impact both Public Private Partnership (PPP) roads and TII-managed routes, such as the M50 and Dublin Port Tunnel. This article offers a detailed overview of the upcoming changes in toll charges and what motorists can anticipate in the approaching year.
Why Are Toll Charges Increasing?
The increase in toll charges is necessary for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to sustainably manage and enhance Ireland’s national road network. With toll revenue and Exchequer funding being vital for road maintenance and improvements, TII conducts annual reviews of toll rates, aligning them with inflation. As per the Toll Bye-Laws, these changes are limited by the “Maximum Allowable Toll,” preventing rates from surpassing inflationary growth.
M50 Toll Road Changes
In 2025, the M50, one of Ireland’s most heavily trafficked roads, will experience specific toll adjustments as follows:
Registered users with a tag or video account will not encounter any fee changes, ensuring affordability for this group.
Cars, buses, coaches, and lighter goods vehicles without a tag or video account will face a 10-cent increase.
Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) exceeding 10,000 kg with a tag or video account will see a 10-cent rise, while unregistered HGVs will experience a 20-cent increase.
Dublin Port Tunnel Adjustments
To regulate peak-hour traffic and ensure ample capacity for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) will implement toll adjustments for the Dublin Port Tunnel:
An increase of €1 for southbound vehicles during the morning peak hours, elevating the toll from €12 to €13.
There will be no alterations for other timeframes or directions, and HGVs will maintain toll-free passage through the tunnel at all times.
PPP Toll Roads
In 2025, Ireland’s eight Public Private Partnership (PPP) toll roads, including the M1, M3, M4, M7/M8, M8, N18 (Limerick Tunnel), and N25 (Waterford), will see the following adjustments:
Buses, coaches, and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) will face a 10-cent increase on all PPP roads, except for the M3, where the toll for HGVs under 3,500 kg remains unchanged.
On the M4 Kilcock to Kinnegad route, HGVs exceeding 3,500 kg will experience a 20-cent rise.
Generally, car tolls on PPP roads will remain stable, with the exception of a 10-cent increase on the M4 Kilcock to Kinnegad segment.
Detailed Toll Information
The toll modifications on these roads are designed to stay in line with Consumer Price Index (CPI) boundaries, ensuring that all changes adhere to the Toll Bye-Laws, as verified by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
Understanding Ireland’s Toll Roads
Within Ireland’s National Road Network are ten toll roads, with eight operated through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), and two directly managed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) – the M50 (eFlow barrier-free toll) and Dublin Port Tunnel. These toll fees are reviewed annually to align with inflation, guaranteeing that the infrastructure can effectively accommodate Ireland’s increasing traffic demands.
Tips to Minimize Toll Costs
To lower toll expenditures, motorists can adopt the following strategies:
Sign up for a tag or video account on the M50 to prevent fee hikes and access savings.
Steer clear of peak hours in the Dublin Port Tunnel to evade increased charges.
Opt for toll-free route options or schedule travel times strategically for enhanced cost-effectiveness
With the toll adjustments set to take effect from January 1, 2025, motorists traveling on Ireland’s national roads should anticipate alterations in toll fees depending on their vehicle category, chosen route, and account status. By proactively getting ready for these revisions and investigating registration possibilities, drivers can make well-informed choices to effectively control their travel expenses. For the latest toll charges, visit the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) website.
