Toll increases are yet another blow to hard-pressed motorists – Murphy

Toll increases due to take effect from the 1^st of January 2026 will add yet more pressure to families and commuters dealing with the cost of living, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Deputy Michael Murphy said: “The timing of this increase is completely wrong. Asking drivers to pay more just to get to work or bring children to school is simply unfair.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) confirmed that tolls across the national road network, including the M50 and the Dublin Port Tunnel, will increase in line with inflation. The decision comes despite TII receiving increased Exchequer funding in Budget 2025 for road maintenance and improvement works.

Deputy Murphy said there needs to be full transparency on how the extra money raised form the tolls will be used.

“I want to know and see how any increase is used to maintain the roads. There needs to be a clear, direct link between increases on the M50 and Port Tunnel tolls and investment in those specific routes, not on other roads elsewhere. Otherwise, these increases look like just another excuse to tap more money out of motorists,” he said.

“Many people drive because there’s no viable public transport alternative. Nobody uses the M50 or the Port Tunnel at peak times out of choice, they do so because they need to. These increases punish people who are simply trying to get to work, appointments or drop their children to school.”

Deputy Murphy concluded by saying, while maintaining infrastructure is essential, fairness must be at the heart of any funding model:

“Our roads must be maintained and improved – everyone accepts that, but the burden can’t always fall on the same people. Motorists are already paying more in fuel, insurance, tax and now tolls. These latest increases send the wrong message.