'An unfair form of tax' - Calls made to abolish toll charges as recorded profits soar

Calls are being made to abolish toll charges across Ireland as profits from last year's income has soared into the millions.

Speaking on Newstalk on Tuesday morning, leader of Independent Ireland Michael Collins said the profits "being made on the back of the ordinary worker are extraordinary".

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New figures released in the annual report by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have revealed that the Dublin Port Tunnel brought in €32 million in 2024, an increase of 18%. 

Similarly, the M50, Ireland's busiest road, saw an increase of 12% last year to a whopping €212 million.

"It's another form of tax in this country, and it's an unfair form of tax," said Mr Collins.

"If you look to our neighbours in the north, there's no toll bridge in the north of Ireland. Obviously, there's extra vehicles on the road, we know that, but also the recent increases that were allowed, they shouldn't have been allowed.

Deputy Collins added that "drivers have been treated like cash cows" and that it is "unacceptable" that these charges continue in the midst of a cot-of-living crises.

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"Motorists are paying extra taxes on fuel, insurance tax, wear and tear from cars. They have been hit from every direction and this is another hit again. We all know that the recent increase wasn't needed - it wasn't that they were making a loss," he continued, "They're trying to squeeze money out of the same people that are being taxed to death anyway, from every direction they can."

Deputy Collins said that toll charges should be abolished in the long run and no further increase should be allowed in the immediate future.

"The TII salaries are gone from €24.2 million to €26.15 million," he added, "That's a lot of money, and sure it's Irish taxpayers picking up the tabs on all this, and now picking up the tab on the tolls."