Dublin Port Tunnel congestion fears spark calls to block toll increases for north Dublin commuters

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has raised concerns that significant traffic congestion heading towards Dublin Port through East Wall and the Dublin Port Tunnel could force the closure of access to the port for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

To address this, TII has suggested increasing the peak-time toll from €13 to €14 to discourage private car drivers from using the tunnel. According to details raised in the Seanad, car traffic through the tunnel is growing at a rate of more than 8% per year.

Speaking during the Order of Business, Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee opposed the potential price hike, arguing that the toll increase would unfairly punish commuters in north County Dublin. She highlighted that heavy car volumes are driven by growing populations in areas such as Rush, Lusk, Skerries, Balbriggan, Balruddery, Ballyboughal, Oldtown, and Naul.

Senator Clifford-Lee noted that while new housing development in north County Dublin is welcome, it has not been matched by sufficient public transport infrastructure. She argued that commuters are forced to use private vehicles and the tunnel due to a lack of options, rather than by choice.

The Seanad heard that the toll previously increased to €13 in January 2025 and had risen from €10 to €12 in January 2024. Senator Clifford-Lee called on the Government to engage with TII to ensure the toll is not increased further.