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The only toll bridge in Dublin city is now public property - does that mean it's going to be free?

No. It doesn’t.

THE EAST LINK toll bridge became public property after 30 years on New Year’s Eve, but that doesn’t mean Dubliners are finished paying to cross the Liffey.

Built in 1984 under a deal between Dublin Corporation, Dublin Port and private company National Toll Roads (NTR) — the bridge reverted back to council ownership on 31 December.

Last year, Dublin City Council decided to retain the toll for revenue to pay for repairs.

In 2013, the bridge brought in €4.2 million in profits for the council, Dublin Port and the company who had taken over NTR’s interest in the bridge.

Now that the bridge is in public ownership, the council is planning to keep the toll – €1.75 for cars.

However, Dublin City Councillor Naoise Ó Muirí says that motorists should – at the minimum – be given a discount.

“Maintaining existing tolling charges on the basis that they create an income stream for the council totally misses the point that the bridge is already paid for.

Annual maintenance costs amount to just €200,000. Even factoring in a sinking fund for long-term refurbishment costs, the Council will still be coining in far more money than is actually required.

Ó Muirí pointed to the experience of Cork where the Jack Lynch Tunnel goes under the Lee and costs nothing.

“By comparison, the Jack Lynch tunnel in Cork is free to use.

“Why do the Rebels get to go under the Lee for free yet Dubliners have to pay to cross over the mouth of the Liffey?”

Ó Muirí says he will write to the council’s Transport and Traffic Committee seeking a 75 cent reduction.

“This is a win-win for Dublin City Council and motorists alike. Motorists using the bridge to get to and from work would be set to save €1.50 per day, while the city council is still guaranteed an income which will provide for bridge maintenance and renewal.”

Dublin City Council declined to comment.

Read: Tolls could be lifted at the East Link, but council bosses say they should stay

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42 Comments
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    Mute Bella Gunning
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    Oct 29th 2014, 5:19 PM

    Great news for people who sell ‘stuff’

    19
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    Mute R Neuville
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    Oct 29th 2014, 7:22 PM

    Obscene Lobby Driven car tax on pre-2008 cars forcing people to buy new cars. Those who cannot afford new cars subsidising the annual road tax of the wealthy who can. A most regressive tax. Was not passed in the UK. Ireland a lobby ridden disgusting place to live – no equity. Bring your Brains to the Polling Booths.

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    Mute Tequila Gold
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    Oct 29th 2014, 7:19 PM

    The one in the picture would be better off hugging a bicycle

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    Mute Bevin Reilly
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    Oct 29th 2014, 6:42 PM

    Love that stock photo.

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    Mute Business Cat
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    Oct 29th 2014, 4:27 PM

    Name the car in the picture….

    I’m thinking RR Evoque?

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    Mute wondermiss
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    Oct 29th 2014, 4:50 PM

    KIA sorento I think

    20
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    Mute Anthony Halpin
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    Oct 29th 2014, 9:01 PM

    A bit of that Mechanophilia stuff going on there by the look of it

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    Mute CW
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    Oct 29th 2014, 8:45 PM

    Well the bullshit statistics from the high street say that most under 25′s and up to 30 are buying in the high street due to increasing numbers employed in the financial and insurance industry, the high street doesn’t show the online buying by the work in poor at middle class’s that wouldn’t pay those prices. It’s a two tier system, that the government are now dependent on the young living at home for their figures. The ESRI is not reflective to the population.

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    Mute Anthony Halpin
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    Oct 29th 2014, 8:59 PM

    All we need now is a scrappage scheme for 3 year old cars, supported by the SIMI and Green party!

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    Mute Christabel Benoit
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    Nov 2nd 2014, 5:19 PM

    And I just bought a beautiful vintage sofa, which only comes to prove I spend a lot on what we’ve been talking in this article. If I were a keen driver, I’d probably spend a lot on my car as well. Take a look at the pros and cons of vintage furniture: http://www.hometalk.com/5463165/the-pros-and-cons-of-vintage-furniture and you will understand what I am talking about.

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