For unregistered cars without a tag or video account, the M50 toll will increase by 10 cents. However, cars on eight other national toll roads won’t see a price hike, except for the M4 Kilcock to Kinnegad, where the toll will also go up by 10 cents.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) announced these changes today, stating that toll increases can’t be higher than the inflation rate.

There are ten toll roads in Ireland, including the M50 eFlow and the Dublin Port Tunnel, both managed by TII.

Unregistered cars on the M50 will pay 10 cents more, making the toll €3.80. This doesn’t affect drivers with a registered tag or video account.

Unregistered buses, coaches, and lighter goods vehicles will also see a 10-cent increase, bringing their toll to €4.80.

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 10,000kg with an account will pay 10 cents more, while those without an account will see a 20-cent increase.

The Dublin Port Tunnel toll will rise from €12 to €13 for southbound traffic during morning peak times to keep space for HGVs, which can use the tunnel for free at all times. Other tolls at the Dublin Port Tunnel will stay the same next year.

Buses, coaches, and HGVs on the M1, M3, M4, M7/M8, N18 Limerick Tunnel, and N25 Waterford toll roads will see a 10-cent increase, making the toll €4.10, except for HGVs under 3,500kg on the M3.

HGVs over 3,500kg on the M4 Kilcock to Kinnegad will see a 20-cent increase.

Toll charges will stay at €1.20 for cars on these eight roads, except for the M4 Kilcock to Kinnegad, where there will be a 10-cent increase.

Toll rates are adjusted for inflation, with a 1.7% increase from August 2023 to August 2024 starting January 1, 2025.

Money from tolls collected by TII, along with government funding, is used to maintain national roads.

The NTA’s latest review, conducted between November 2023 and March 2024, highlighted that the costs of running a taxi service have increased by approximately 9% since the last review in 2022. This increase is attributed to several factors, including rising fuel prices, inflation, and the economic impact of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. The review also noted that the number of registered taxis in Ireland has increased by 2% since 2022, but remains 7% lower than pre-pandemic levels.

The proposed fare increase aims to reflect these higher operating costs and ensure that taxi drivers can continue to provide their services sustainably. The NTA has launched a public consultation on the proposed fare increase, inviting feedback from the public until August 16, 2024. This consultation is part of the NTA’s efforts to balance the needs of both taxi drivers and passengers, ensuring that fares remain fair and reasonable.

The previous fare review in 2022 resulted in an average fare increase of 12%, with nighttime fares rising by 17% to incentivise drivers to operate during peak demand times. The NTA’s latest recommendation follows this trend, aiming to address the ongoing economic challenges faced by taxi drivers while also considering the potential impact on consumer demand.

Research conducted for the NTA shows that 52% of all taxi journeys are for social reasons, with demand being strongest on Fridays and Saturdays. The NTA’s household survey also revealed that the cost of living is affecting the demand for taxis, with 43% of respondents using taxis less frequently due to lower disposable incomes and reduced socialising. Despite these challenges, the NTA’s review found that public transport options, such as buses, trams, and trains, are becoming more affordable and accessible, particularly with the introduction of discounted Leap Card fares.