Transport Infrastructure Ireland Confirms National Toll Increases
Motorists across Ireland face higher travel costs starting 1 January, as Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has confirmed that toll rates will rise on nearly all national roads. The adjustments affect both public toll routes—including the M50 and the Dublin Port Tunnel—and eight Public-Private Partnership (PPP) roads across the network.
The pricing adjustments are tied directly to inflation. TII stated that toll charges are regulated through a Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment mechanism set out in toll bye-laws. Following a recorded CPI inflation figure of 3.6% between August 2025 and August 2026, the board approved the widespread rate increases.
M50 and Dublin Port Tunnel Rate Adjustments
As the country’s busiest route, the M50 will see fare hikes across all vehicle categories. Motorists using tags or video accounts will pay 10 cents more per trip, bringing tag accounts to €2.70 and video accounts to €3.30. Drivers without any account will see their toll increase by 20 cents to €4 per trip. Overall M50 toll increases range up to 30 cents depending on the payment method and vehicle weight.
Meanwhile, commuters using the Dublin Port Tunnel southbound between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM will pay €15, marking a €1 increase during peak morning hours. TII explained that this change reflects growing traffic volumes during the morning peak and aims to preserve capacity for heavy goods vehicles heading to Dublin Port. Evening peak tolls and remaining hourly rates through the tunnel will stay unchanged for the year.
Public-Private Partnership Toll Road Changes
Out of the ten toll roads on the national network, eight operate under a PPP model. Motorists on these routes will generally see a 10-cent increase for cars. The affected PPP routes include the M1, N6, M7/M8, M8, N18-LT, and N25WF.
Heavier commercial vehicles face steeper revisions. Heavy goods vehicles over 3,500kg with four axles will see a 30-cent increase on PPP routes, while other heavy goods vehicles on the M50 will face increases of 20 to 30 cents. The M3 Clonee to Kells remains the sole exception on the national network, with car tolls staying flat while heavier HGVs on that specific route will only see a 10-cent increase.
Haulage Representatives Criticize Toll Hikes as Price Gouging
Transport Infrastructure Ireland maintains that income collected from tolls funds the ongoing operation and maintenance of the national road network. However, the announcement has drawn sharp criticism from commercial transport representatives.
Irish Road Haulage Association Ger Hyland spoke on RTÉ’s News at One programme, describing the hikes as price gouging and milking motorists to cover institutional inefficiencies. Hyland warned that the added costs would drive up supermarket prices and general inflation, noting that hauliers already pay over €8 at many toll booths before facing additional increases.
Common Questions About the Upcoming Toll Changes
When do the new toll rates take effect?
The revised toll rates become effective on 1 January across the national road network.
Which roads are exempt from the price increases?
The M3 Clonee to Kells is the only route largely exempt from the increases for passenger cars, though heavier commercial vehicles on that route will still see a 10-cent rise.
How much will peak travel cost through the Dublin Port Tunnel?
Southbound travel between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM will cost €15 following a €1 increase, while evening peak rates remain at €12.
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