The M50 toll is going up again. Since 2018, eFlow's annual revenue has increased by about 37%. Total revenue up to August was roughly €1.3 billion. It is a staggering sum.

It highlights a system that is extracting more and more from motorists year after year. A single fixed toll point at the West-Link Bridge means drivers pay the same charge whether they travel 2 km or 20 km or whether they drive at 8 a.m. or midnight. This flat rate model is economically regressive, much like a flat tax, placing a disproportionate burden on short-distance, lower-income users, the same commuters going to work and the same communities who also live with the impact of toll avoiders through more congestion, more pollution and more frustration. A modern, equitable approach would be to consider distance-based, time variable tolling, tax relief for commuters or scrap it altogether. The Government needs to step in here and request a TII feasibility study, drive reform and put an end to this highway robbery.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. I know it is an issue of importance to many people, including people in Dublin West, commuters and people going about their business and encountering these toll charges. The Deputy has made some very interesting suggestions that merit further examination. As she knows, TII has a role in this. She has called on it to give consideration to this. I will certainly bring her views to its attention. I am also aware TII officials are due to appear before the transport committee in the coming weeks. Perhaps it could be flagged as part of that engagement that they could discuss and consider that issue too.