June 5, 2013

Sinn Féin transport spokesperson, Dessie Ellis TD, has blasted NRA proposals to increase tolls on the M50. An NRA report found that the M50 experienced high congestion and peak periods, which could be a risk to safety and proposed five tolling points to be put in place which would see charges rise to €6.50 in some cases.
Deputy Ellis said:
“Sinn Féin has consistently opposed tolling on the M50. We completely oppose this proposal which will not deal with the problem of congestion but simply raise more money from already hard-pressed road users.
“The reason the M50 is congested at times is that it is the best option for many motorists to get to their destination. The solution is not to make the motorway less attractive and encourage people on to smaller roads shifting the problem. The solution is to give commuters options.
“Better transport options for people taking shorter trips is essential. This means improving access to public transport networks and making it more affordable by making a real investment in bus and rail. Fare increases have only discouraged people from using public transport and falsely made private cars seems like the better option.
“We also need to look at the potential that we need to increase our capacity from traffic around the city and review plans such as the Dublin Outer Orbital Route which could create jobs and offer a solution to congestion.”
ends