Marie O'Halloran
The Irish Times
Mon, Nov 24, 03
The three existing toll roads in the Republic will generate almost €700
million over the next 10 years.
According to figures released by the Minister for Transport, Mr
Brennan, the Drogheda by-pass and the East Link and West Link in Dublin
will generate just under €70 million a year over the next decade, based
on 2003 prices.
Mr Brennan also stated that private sector funding of about €1.15
billion would be leveraged from the projected income on the National
Road Authority's 11 toll-road building projects.
The National Roads Authority is currently operating the Drogheda
by-pass toll but it is expected to be handed over to the private
operator which will complete the motorway from Dundalk to the Border.
The Government is also considering a submission from National Toll
Roads (NTR), the operator of the East Link and West Link tolls, for
upgrading the M50 motorway in return for the State giving up its share
of the toll revenue.
It estimates the upgrade, including widening the motorway to three
lanes, will cost €500 million. The National Roads Authority estimated
the cost of upgrading the motorway at some €300 million in 2001. NTR is
also reported to be seeking an end to its rates bill, an estimated €3
million, but according to Department of Transport sources, they are a
matter for the local authorities in the areas through which the
motorway runs.