Jerry Buttimer
Cork South-Central · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Its priority is to provide scheduled public transport services on the TFI network. It works with event organisers, operators, local authorities and An Garda Síochána to provide additional transport supports where it is possible to do so.”
“I commit to relaying the points the Senator has made on the floor of the House, and has conveyed to me in private, to the Department of Transport. To be fair to the Senator, it was not only this morning that he has articulated this. The travelling supporters of Kerry and Mayo deserve additional transport.”
“I understand from the company that the Expressway team is currently examining whether additional services on route 22 will be added on the morning of Sunday, 26 July.”
“In this case, for Kerry and Mayo, as the Senator rightly said, it will see a high demand for scheduled and additional services. The Senator has outlined the volume of tickets sales. This is the busiest time for scheduled intercity services anyway, given that it is peak summer time, and that is a priority.”
“I understand from speaking to Irish Rail that it hopes to be in a position to confirm the number of additional services later this week - I am hoping this will be today or tomorrow - and it will advise customers as soon as these services are available to book.”
“The Senator mentioned Sneem and Ventry. He and I will remember our great friends, the late, great John Egan and Paudie O'Shea, as well as the Senator's brother Tim. I get emotional because they were great GAA people. Cork and Kerry have the best supporters of the GAA.”
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“I know Deputy McAuliffe has been in contact with her. As has been said, the project is currently at stage 2a, architectural planning - developed design. At this stage, the preferred design option is developed to a point at which the project can be fully cost planned and prepared to lodge for statutory approvals. This major programme is being delivered under the Department's ADAPT programme. Tá an clár tógála scoile ag méadú. We are increasing the programme. The programme uses a professional external project manager to co-ordinate and drive the design team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of architectural planning and on to tender and construction. As both Deputies have said, the Department of Education and Youth has reviewed the stage 2a submission.”
“Táim fíorbhuíoch de na Teachtaí Ellis agus McAuliffe as an ábhar seo a ardú sa Teacht. Táim ag caint thar ceann an Aire Oideachais. Tá brón uirthi nach bhfuil sí anseo chun labhairt faoi Ghaelscoil Uí Earcáin. Bhí an Teachta McAuliffe mar dhalta san fhoirgneamh 40 bliain ó shin. Bheadh a sheanathair bródúil as. Molaim dó as an obair atá á déanamh aige ar son na scoile. The important point that both Deputy Ellis and Deputy McAuliffe have raised is that the project is to provide a new replacement 16-classroom primary school and accommodation for pupils with special educational needs at the existing site. As the Members know, the current school building will remain in operation until the replacement school is delivered and will be demolished thereafter. I am taking this Topical Issue tonight on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Naughton.”
“I thank Deputy Daly for bringing it forward and having a good debate. I wish that some in the House would use their contributions to have a proper, meaningful, informed debate. Unlike them, Deputy Daly did put forward an informed debate. As the Minister said, the Government will be opposing the Bill.”
“As the Minister said in his contribution, that rooftop revolution has begun, and our job as leaders is to help, support and augment that so we can expand the number of people who are benefiting from that and their energy bills can be reduced. Where energy is produced, it can be sold back into the grid. Government supports have been discussed tonight. We are very much aware of and concerned about the pressures that people are under, be it householders or businesses, with the higher energy costs. We have provided support of the second-highest, if not the highest, packages in Europe in the last number of weeks. As a Government, we are taking action to help householders and businesses with the cost of fuel and energy. In concluding on behalf of the Government, I know the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has addressed the issues about the Bill.”
“Looking at the debates in the House of Representatives in America, for example, with American prices, there is now a movement by some of President Trump's own people in the Republican party relating to his war in Iran. Former Minister Eamon Ryan has been criticised left, right and centre here tonight, but he was very successful at retrofitting, warmer homes, solar panels and offshore energy. We are working to ensure that households benefit directly from that renewable energy transition. Since 2019, €1.7 billion has been spent on SEAI schemes in support of homeowners, delivering almost 250,000 home energy improvements. That is fully equipped upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the warmer homes scheme. Last year, 5,000 businesses and community groups received grants to retrofit homes or install solar.”
“Nobody other than the Minister referred to the fact, as part of the debate, that we are now getting 49% of our electricity from renewables. We are moving away from the fossil fuel dependency. We need to continue to do more as a country and a people. We had consternation last week about the Taoiseach and Deputy O'Connor's intervention about nuclear energy, yet we are getting nuclear energy through the interconnector. We need to look at the structural factors around our energy prices. That is why I welcome the debate tonight. I know I am repeating myself, but I think this debate has been important because it gives us that opportunity. We are too energy-dependent on fossil fuels. There is a market vulnerability due to price that none of us, or at least not me, can predict for next week, let alone October or November.”
“The Government is deeply committed to ensuring that the CRU can effectively monitor and regulate electricity and gas prices and suppliers to ensure the best outcome for the customer. That is at the heart of what I want to be as a person in this Chamber representing people. It is to ensure, like many in this House have done, that energy is affordable. It is important that we do that. Equally, if you look at what the Government has done, there was action. While if you listened to some of the contributions, you would think Government did nothing, and I would take criticism any day of the week about being late, slow, or whatever, we did act. There was the VAT reduction, multiple rounds of energy credits, and protections given to customers since 2022.”
“I repeat the point tonight that I do not believe any of us in this Chamber want to have people struggling to pay or to engage with the energy companies and suppliers. I totally understand the frustration and annoyance of people, but part of the overarching debate that we do not seem to have done is to speak about a move, as we should, away from fossil fuel dependency. I was at the Cork development forum yesterday and we got a paper on Cork's energy grid, our current capacity and future opportunities. We all need to have that conversation about the future of our energy supply. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the Commission for Regulation of Utilities with regard to our energy markets.”
“I ask Members to do that. The CRU said there was no evidence of energy companies profiteering, but there was a question as part of the report about the profit margin and further examination being needed. It goes back to my fundamental point that our words do matter and we have an ability to lead as Members. That is why I think, to be fair to Deputy Daly, that his contribution and what he is trying to do here is that. I readily accept that. In his reply at the beginning of the debate, the Minister outlined why the Government is opposing the Bill, and I will not go through that again. The Minister said that Government is committed to putting in place a well-funded energy market and tackling energy affordability.”
“We have all been that advocate and that person working for the vulnerable person. Let us be clear about that and not have Deputies coming in here tonight castigating some of us as uncaring and unkind because we are not. We understand full well. Nobody mentioned the moratorium on disconnections. I wonder why. I accept that people are faoi bhrú and I share the views expressed by many in the House that there needs be greater transparency on the pricing structure of bills so people can understand. If you sit down in an office or in a person's home and talk and engage with them, it is a comment that is made quite clear. People came into the Chamber tonight, in some sections of the House, like confetti at a wake, speaking about the profiteering and high profits. I ask people to read the CRU's report from yesterday about profitability.”
“We all accept there are too many people in energy uncertainty and in arrears with their bills, but I ask the Members to tell me how many people in Ireland were disconnected. How many? They should come back to me. How does it happen that people are disconnected? I make this point as a practising politician who has people in his office, who meets people, does not live in an ivory tower and who understands the frustration articulated by many in this Chamber. How is it that people are disconnected? I make the point that our language matters and people listen to us. For somebody to be disconnected there has to be no engagement whatever with the energy supplier. Let us be real and honest. If we engage as an advocate or if we engage with a person in arrears with an energy company, there will not be disconnection.”
“Ar dtús báire gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Daly as ucht an rún seo a chur os comhair an Tí. Gabhaim buíochas leis na Baill a ghlac páirt sa díospóireacht an-tábhachtach seo. Deputy McGrath is right. We cannot have this debate in isolation, and it goes back to Deputy Heneghan's contribution about the turmoil in global energy markets. I make the point that in this debate some people are running to the hills to have their social media posts up. They want to score cheap points and do the kinds of things that some people do. That is not what this debate should be about, and I appreciate Deputy Pa Daly's sincerity in this. I made the point here last week that words and language matter. I pose a question to all of us in this Chamber tonight.”
“The matter of screening is a matter for our authorities. I am sure every person who comes into the country will continue to be screened in the way they should be. None of us in any way support the awful killing and treatment of people by the Israelis. We have been very clear on that. I know it is an important issue and I take the point. I struggle on this somewhat. One part of me wants to boycott Israel coming and another part of me, as a sportsperson, recognises that sport brings people together. However, I take the Senator's point. I know I have other questions to address but I would be happy to come back to Members on a later date on that or to pass on the information to them. I thank Members for their contributions in what has been a very positive debate. Go raibh maith agaibh.”
“The Government is very clear on that. That matter of the football match is one I know he is very exercised about, and rightly so. Personally, I have never been a supporter of boycotts. RTÉ has boycotted the Eurovision Song Contest, for example, and I think the FAI has made clear its position in terms of the implications for its organisation. I do not think any of us support what Israel is doing-----”
“To make a point about China, it does offer opportunity that we should not dismiss, while at the same time not pulling back from our right to uphold human rights around the world. We have a very strong role to play in that as a country. We can reflect on, as we come to Europe Day on 9 May, that what Schuman proposed was not just a treaty or institution. It was an idea - which has grown, developed and evolved - that European nations, having spent a generation destroying each other, could again choose to build something different together - le chéile. That choice was made. It has been renewed in each generation. It needs to be done again. Never before have we more strongly needed a Europe that stands on the side of Ukraine and on the side of the people we support in this Chamber. Senator Andrews raised the issue of Israel and Palestine.”
“The Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, has indicated his commitment to deepening engagement with the House during the Presidency. From a Government perspective that commitment is real. As we take the chair of the Council, the work of both Houses of the Oireachtas will matter, in scrutinising the programme and holding the Government to account but also in giving voice to the concerns of citizens that formal EU processes do not always reach. It is also important that we use our Presidency to bring people with us, particularly young people who will help shape Europe's future. Like Senator Stephenson, I recognise the need for civil society to be part of every conversation. Senator Higgins spoke about that as well in terms of the reflection. I know that as Europe Day approaches we will all be engaging.”
“These are core values we have as a foundation. If Europe loses that stream of values, then it is nothing; it has lost its meaning, going back to Schuman and what the European movement was founded from. I know the Cathaoirleach chairs the Seanad Select Committee on EU Scrutiny and Transparency and that is an example of where we can see a further connection between the Houses of the Oireachtas, working with the Chair of the Joint Committee on European Affairs, Deputy Barry Ward, and the foreign affairs committee. That public conversation needs to continue on Europe and what benefits it can bring, but also as a forum for deliberate engagement. EU scrutiny is important. As I said earlier, that depth of debate we bring to European questions is and can only be positive to all of us.”
“We are leaders in this House and in the Lower House, and it is by our actions and words that we bring people with us. If we choose to be negative about Europe and to propagate misinformation and falsehoods, that has a serious implication. I commend the Members present in the Chamber on their work in their roles. I know the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and previous Ministers with responsibility for Europe have taken their role very seriously in building that connection between Europe, the decisions we make and the lives of people. Senator Lynch spoke about the values and the collaboration piece. Again, that is critically important. Our Presidency will place the defence of EU values, democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights at the centre of its work because without these we are talking about window dressing.”
“I heard what Senators Lynch and Andrews had to say in that regard. What we need to continue to do here is what Senator Lynch does, which is to continue that representation at European level, to be that voice and that advocate, to bring it back to ordinary, everyday life events for people in terms of how it works. Europe does matter. It has had a tangible benefit. I am not quite as old as Senator O'Reilly. I do not necessarily remember pre-Europe Ireland but I remember we had the begging bowl out. As Europeans we were very much beholden to Europe to develop and, in particular, to advance our capital infrastructure. I think Senator Stephenson mentioned the safety thing. Due to Europe we now have very strong safety guidelines, which are welcome. As Members of the Oireachtas, we do have a responsibility. Our voices do matter.”
“The important point for us is there is a breadth of accountability and engagement across the European family, in particular the Houses of the Oireachtas, which shows that we are deeply committed to the European project. We could be navel-gazing forever about where Europe is going. What we have to do, and what we have done very successfully here this afternoon, is to articulate what Europe stands for - what it should, did and continues to represent for all of its citizens, encapsulating the daily concerns of citizens but also posing that question about the gap between Brussels and the communities. I hope that gap does not grow but, rather, narrows. In the European Movement Ireland poll, which we saw this week, 45% believe Europe is going the right way while 35% feel they are only being adequately represented at European level.”
“We have a responsibility, as we approach the Presidency in July, to ensure that this debate today, which is a reflection of all of us who have contributed being pro-European, recognises that we have a journey to continue. To Senator Stephenson, I say that, for me, human rights and multilateralism are quintessentially very important parts of our foreign affairs policy now and will be in the future. I was in China for St. Patrick's Day. I never demurred from raising the issue of human rights. At the same time, multilateralism is very important. We must always engage in it. The world is better because of it. One of the criticisms of Europe is that it is over-democratised at one level.”
“How do I follow that commendation of Senator O'Reilly? I genuinely thank him for his work. Is cúis bhróid é a bheith i láthair na Seanadóirí. Gabhaim míle buíochas le gach Ball a ghlac páirt sa díospóireacht an-tábhachtach seo ar Lá na hEorpa. Tá an Rialtas agus go mórmhór an tAire Stáit, an Teachta Byrne, ag aontú go bhfuil sé ag obair, go cothrom le gach ballstát eile, as ucht méadú na hEorpa. In congratulating every Member of the House who spoke today, I am conscious, as Senator Conway said, that we are ten years on from Brexit, which reshaped the European project and gave rise to the single biggest challenge we face. The debate we have had this afternoon has brought forward myriad perspectives on values, security, the European Union's relationship with its citizens and with us, as a country.”
“Senator Byrne's work on this issue is important, and she should not be put off by this morning's reply. More and more people are being diagnosed with skin cancer, and it is becoming common across Europe. While being diagnosed with melanoma may not be as catastrophic as it once was, it is still not a nice diagnosis to get. We need to continue to highlight both the ongoing risk of and ways to prevent skin cancer. This is one way of doing it. I again thank the Senator for raising this matter. I look forward to working with her further on it.”
“Again, I thank Senator Byrne for raising this very important issue. I appreciate the importance of it for so many people. She is right that skin cancer is prevalent, and we are seeing that much more now with climate change. She is right that sunscreen is an important part of safeguarding our skin against sun damage and skin cancer. Her advocacy this morning stresses not just the value of wearing sunscreen but also that we need to be a bit more hands-on and take a more common-sense approach in the context of VAT. Sunscreen is not a cosmetic or a toiletry. It is a pharmaceutical product for the prevention of skin cancer. I regret that the VAT applied is at a rate of 23%. That is a matter for the European Commission. It would do no harm to engage with EU Commissioner, former Deputy Michael McGrath, and other Commissioners on the matter.”
“We ensured that these zero rates were maintained in the 2022 agreement. While these were successful outcomes, I regret it was not possible to secure changes in respect of sunscreen. It is my understanding that no further changes to Annex III of the VAT directive are expected in the medium term, which is unfortunate. The Senator's points were well made. I will bring them back to the Department. It is important that Senator Byrne continue to advocate for this change, not only through the Oireachtas but also through the Inter-Parliamentary Union. In that context, I urge her to engage further with the Department and with European colleagues. This is an important issue, and she is right about it. I thank her for raising it and am sorry that the reply I have given is not as positive as she deserves.”
“In the broader context of Annex III of the VAT directive, I have been advised that an agreement was reached to amend and expand its scope in April of 2022. Changes to the VAT directive, which require unanimity among member states, were negotiated over a four-year period. I understand that changes made to Annex III of the VAT directive did allow the Government to apply a zero rate of VAT to non-oral medicines such as HRT patches and creams and to nicotine replacement therapy patches. In addition, the Government was also able to move the VAT rate for automatic external defibrillators to zero, which the Senator will be aware was a long-standing request of many in the Oireachtas. Also worthy of mention is the fact that Ireland has always maintained a zero rate of VAT on oral medicines.”
“Clarity was sought on whether the text of Annex III of the VAT directive which refers to pharmaceutical products could be understood to include sun protection products. Unfortunately, the European Commission confirmed that it was not possible for sunscreen products to be considered pharmaceutical products because they are deemed to be classed as a product in the category of cosmetic or toilet preparations. Senator Byrne is right, and I concur completely, that these are not cosmetic products or toiletries. They are pharmaceutical products that prevent skin cancer. She is 100% right about that, and I am not just saying that as her colleague and friend. She is right that sunscreen prevents skin cancer. The Commission advised that a reduced rate cannot be applied to sun protection products such as sunscreen.”
“In general, the VAT directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate unless they are exempt from VAT or fall within Annex Ill of that directive, in respect of which member states may apply reduced rates of VAT. The reduced rates of VAT in Ireland are 9% and 13.5%, respectively. Unfortunately, under EU law, there is no scope for a reduction in the rate of VAT on sunscreen products as they are not one of the products listed in Annex III. As a result, the supply of sunscreen products is liable to the standard rate of VAT of 23%. This goes to the heart of the Senator's argument in terms of the categorisation of sunscreen products. As the Senator knows, there has been ongoing engagement on this issue with the European Commission since 2023.”
“I thank Senator Byrne for raising this issue. The Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Troy, has been delayed and apologises for not being here to take it. Senator Byrne has significant interest in this matter and has raised it repeatedly in the House. I thank her for the work she is doing in that regard. This is an important issue, and the Senator is right to highlight the anomaly in terms of pricing. Also important are the year-round piece and the piece around low-income families. The points the Senator makes are worth listening to. I am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply.”
“I am happy to talk to the Senator further on this matter, because there is merit in what he said. I thank him for raising it.”
“Senator Murphy made some very interesting points that require us as a Government to listen. I reassure him that we are committed to addressing the issue of vacancy. I thank him and Senator Duffy for their advocacy and work in this regard. We know the success of the vacant property grant - we have seen it throughout the country. We should always look at how we can improve the effectiveness and delivery of the scheme. I will bring Deputy Murphy's points back. It is worth saying that it is not proposed to introduce a system of completion certificates because the Government feels it is not necessary at the moment. I will take the points Senator Murphy has made back to the Department. The grant is making a real difference, as we both agree, in urban and rural areas. We will continue to support bringing many properties back into use as homes.”
“The plan will ensure that the activities and resources used to address vacancy and dereliction are co-ordinated, and that legislative powers are used proactively to bring dereliction and vacancy to an end. As a result, families and people can become part of, and contribute to, vibrant thriving communities. I will take the points Senator Murphy raised back to the Department.”
“It is important to note that introducing a system of having completion certification by a relevant qualified professional would result in every applicant having to engage the services of such a qualified professional, which would then result in an additional cost to the applicant. In December 2025, the Government approved an additional sum of up to €100,000 per annum for each local authority to support the effective and efficient administration of the grant, in addition to the annual payment of €60,000 for the vacant homes office in each local authority. It is the responsibility of each chief executive to ensure appropriate resources are assigned to administration of the grant. Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, more will be done to tackle vacancy and dereliction.”
“The grant process involves the local authority receiving and reviewing applications to ensure that grant conditions are met, and arranging for a qualified person to visit the property to check the refurbishment work being applied for and to assess the proposed cost. When the works are completed, the local authority will conduct a final property visit to review that the approved work has been completed in line with the grant application. The grant is paid on completion of the approved works, ensuring that the applicant has carried out the works applied for. This is also the approach in other grants, such as the SEAI and housing adaptation grants.”
“Feedback on the grant and the level of interest in the grant has continued to grow, with over 17,400 applications received to the end of quarter one this year, of which over 13,100 applications have been approved and over 5,300 grants paid, totalling almost €285 million. Recognising the need to bring as many vacant properties into use as homes, particularly in our towns and cities, a new expert advice grant and vacant above the shop grant were introduced to support bringing vacant upper floors into residential use, with a package of up to €140,000 available for the conversion of vacant space in such properties.”
“I thank Senator Murphy for raising this matter. I also thank Senator Duffy who has been working with him on this. I will bring the suggestions he made to the Department. Some consideration should be given to them because Senator Murphy is well versed in the matter. The important point for the Government is that bringing existing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as homes is a priority for the Government and a central element of our housing plan. Significant progress has been made in addressing vacancy. A key measure that has been introduced is the vacant property refurbishment grant. It provides substantial support to bring these properties into use as homes. The grant provides support of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties and a further €20,000 for derelict properties.”
“It may not but it would be an important step in tackling discrimination and encouraging change. We need to continue the work. We need to have advocacy and conversations such as the one we are having this morning because it is real. I am a former teacher. I meet past pupils and people every day who tell me that because of the location they come from they feel they are not getting a fair chance. That is not right in a world where we should all be treated equally. I look forward to working with Senator Andrews on ensuring we end that discrimination.”
“I again thank Senator Andrews for raising the matter. To be fair, I do not have a timeline for him in terms of the Government's amending legislation. It is important that the issue is examined thoroughly. I am not saying this to kick the can down further because there are potential costs. There is also a proposed wording. As I said in my reply, there must be no unintended consequence and clarity and certainty need to be given. It is also important to recognise the Government is considering recommendations of the report based on the pre-legislative scrutiny, which was important. All of us want to see discrimination on the basis of disadvantage removed. It is unacceptable. To pose a question to Senator Andrews, as two people committed to this, will the introduction of a socio-economic ground root out the causes of disadvantage in itself?”
“It is important that we give people clarity and certainty and end discrimination, because it does exist in some cases. I know people who feel like that. I fully agree with the remarks of the Senator.”
“It is vital that the definition of a new ground can be legally robust and well-understood by service providers and employers. Extensive work has been carried out by officials in the Department to scope, deliver and develop policy on what a new equality ground should encompass. This ongoing work is intended to ensure that a proposal can be brought forward that gives everyone clarity as to their rights and obligations under the laws. The intention is that a memorandum would be brought to Government setting out the outcome of the test and the recommendations of the pre-legislative scrutiny process and putting forward options regarding the possible introduction of an equality ground based on socio-economic status. I share the view of Deputy Andrews.”
“Officials in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality are working to carry out these assessments while work continues on the rest of the Bill. It is important to outline to the House that this issue is examined thoroughly and the potential costs and proposed wording are carefully considered to ensure there are no unintended consequences. A significant challenge in introducing a new protected ground in Ireland's equality legislation is ensuring that it can be understood by everyone. The public and businesses small and large need to be clear on what the ground is and what it covers. Past attempts to legislate in this area have been held back by difficulties in defining terms such as "socio-economic status" or "disadvantaged socio-economic status" with the degree of clarity and lack of ambiguity necessary for the Statute Book.”
“The planned reforms included in the general scheme and heads of the Bill of the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill aim to improve the effectiveness of the Acts in combating discrimination and promoting equality for all. The general scheme underwent pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Children and Equality last year. The recommendations of the committee, including those related to the introduction of this new ground, are now being examined by departmental officials and the drafting of the Bill is under way. The approval in principle of the introduction of a new equality ground is subject to the completion of an assessment of the potential cost to the Exchequer and an enhanced SME test to examine the potential impact on SMEs of the introduction of such an equality ground.”
“Under these Acts, discrimination occurs where one person is treated less favourably than another in a comparable situation because they differ under any of the following grounds: age; civil status; disability; family status; gender; housing; assistance payment; membership of the Travelling community; race; religion; and sexual orientation. The previous programme for Government included a commitment to introduce a new ground of socio-economic discrimination in equality legislation. In November 2024, the Government approved in principle the introduction of such a ground as part of the wider reform of the Employment Equality Acts and Equal Status Act.”
“I thank Senator Andrews for raising this important matter. The Minister would like to thank him for raising the matter in the Seanad. I fully subscribe to his point that there is no place for discrimination in any shape or form in our society, in particular on the basis of disadvantage or socio-economic status. That should be unacceptable in our country today. However, it is fully recognised that despite the great progress we have made on many social issues, people in Ireland can often, as the Senator outlined, face barriers on the basis of their background. That is wrong. The Employment Equality Acts and Equal Status Act prohibit discrimination on specific grounds.”
“I thank Senator Crowe for raising the matter. Barrier-free tolling is something we need to explore. We have seen how successful it can be. The Senator referenced other parts of Europe that have introduced it. We need to take into account emissions and the waste of diesel. Despite the fact tolling may not be popular, it helps to fund maintenance and ongoing work. We have seen the benefits of tolling for our roads. I will bring the remarks of the Senator back to the Department in the context of toll revenue being reduced and the success of our motorway and interurban routes. I will ask the Department to engage further with the Senator on the matter.”
“These trials have taken place at toll locations on the N25 Waterford bypass and on the M7 and M8 Portlaoise local road network. These trials apply to primary HGV lane one at each toll location and are backed by advanced variable messaging. These trials were successful and were immediately extended, with limited trials now under way on the M1 Gormanston to Monasterboice and M8 Rathcormac to Fermoy toll locations, with TII aiming to facilitate similar transitioning to rolling out HGV tolling, where feasible, at all toll locations. I thank the Senator for raising this important matter.”
“The Minister has no formal consultative role in this; it is a matter for TII. It would be a question of a shortfall of funding in terms of the different categories the Senator spoke about. It perhaps should be examined in the context of the point made on the loss of diesel and barrier-free tolling which is something we should consider. The Senator is correct about match days, in particular. The Cork-Portlaoise and Cork-Fermoy roads have a lot of barriers. The road transport sector is of great importance to our country and in that regard I welcome the recently announced support scheme that has been put in place. TII, in conjunction with toll operators, has undertaken trials permitting HGV tolls to be paid without the need for vehicles to stop.”
“Any change to the mechanism by which tolls are collected on these routes would need to take account of these existing contractual commitments. Regarding changes to toll prices, toll by-laws for each individual road set out the basis for calculating maximum tolls each year. Maximum tolls are calculated for each vehicle category. TII calculates the maximum tolls for the Dublin Port tunnel and the M50 and decides the actual tolls that should apply. The PPP companies calculate the maximum tolls for the eight PPP concession schemes and propose the actual tolls that should apply. The mechanism for these calculations is set out in the individual toll by-law and is based on the consumer price index. It would be fair to point out to the House that the tolls charged may not exceed the calculated maximum toll for each scheme.”
“With regard to the Dublin Port tunnel, it is important to point out that the barrier serves as an important mechanism to ensure that traffic congestion does not take place within the tunnel, in accordance with normal good operating practice. The other eight roads are PPP roads, which were constructed and are now operated and maintained under long-term contracts with TII. As Members will know, the basis for the PPP toll road contracts arose from a Government policy initiative which identified PPPs as an essential component in contributing to the financing and delivery of national road improvements. Revenue generated by these roads is collected by the PPP company and is used to repay loans arising from the construction of the road and to fund ongoing operations and maintenance activities.”
“Along with Exchequer funding, toll revenues received by TII contribute to the funding of essential services on the national primary and secondary road network, including general day-to-day maintenance and operation of the network, such as pavement repair and renewal, incident and emergency response, winter gritting, safety barrier repair and renewal, and energy supply and maintenance of route lighting. Senator Crowe referred to the M50. The origin of the single M50 toll point was to fund the construction of the West-Link Liffey bridge and the associated section of the M50 in 1990 under an early form of public-private partnership, PPP, contract. The State bought back the West-Link bridge concession in 2008 and, as Senator Crowe rightly said, converted the toll plaza to a freeflow barrier-free tolling arrangement.”