NRA recommends more road tolls
The National Roads Authority (NRA) has said it is in need of a further €2bn, if some of its major routes are to be completed by the deadline of 2008.
At the launch of its annual report, the NRA said it has achieved a lot, but needs more scope from the Government to complete these projects on time.
The Cashel and Ashford-Rathnew by-passes are to be completed ahead of schedule by the end of this year.
But an additional number of toll schemes should be introduced on the N2 Finglas route, M7 Newbridge Bypass and the Jack Lynch Tunnel in Cork if targets are to be met.
Michael Egan of the NRA says they are in need of additional funds: "We have the ability within the authority to deliver the programme at a greater pace and bring much needed benefits right through the country.
"We would also use the same mechanism to bring forward or borrow on the anticipated revenues at the likes of Newbridge, the Jack Lynch Tunnel and the other areas. We need that investment now, not in five years time.”
