Sinn Féin TD Deputy Pauline Tully has called on the government to rethink their approach towards motorists, after Budget 2024 failed to defer the upcoming toll increases.
Motorists have already taken on one toll increase in July, with another rise in tolls expected another before the year end, according to statements made by Junior transport Minister Jack Chambers.
The Cavan Monaghan TD says motorists are already facing a cost-of-living crisis and a rise in fuel at the pumps, adding another toll increase to that will force people off the road.
The local deputy added that many people in the Shannonside Northern Sound region are commuting daily for work, education or to hospital appointments in Dublin and have little option but to pay high toll road prices to do so.
Deputy Tully said as part of Sinn Féin's Alternative Budget, transport spokesperson for the party Martin Kenny TD prioritised a deferral of the expected toll increase until such a time that these toll contracts can be renegotiated.
“Budgets are about prioritising, and Sinn Féin prioritised a small easing for motorists, hauliers, and Local Link providers, because they have been continuously targeted by an overzealous Green minister. This government is continuing to punish ordinary people and families with no alternatives, who are struggling through a cost-of-living crisis. Sinn Féin committed €31m to put a stop to toll increases. Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Greens committed nothing. People across Cavan-Monaghan deserve better.”
