Motorists across Ireland will face higher toll charges in the new year, as Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) confirmed a series of price hikes across the national road network, effective from January 1, 2026.
The changes will affect several major routes, including Dublin’s M50 motorway and the Port Tunnel, where most drivers will see increases of up to 10 cents per journey. The Port Tunnel will see the largest rise during morning rush hours, with southbound tolls between 6am and 10am increasing by €1 — from €13 to €14.
TII said the adjustment is aimed at managing capacity for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), noting that non-HGV traffic during peak times has continued to grow in 2025. “The increase is necessary to preserve tunnel access for freight vehicles,” the agency said.
All vehicle categories using the M50 will also see toll increases, except unregistered motor cars without a tag or video account. For HGVs weighing over 10,000kg and registered with a video account, the toll will rise by 20 cents.
Beyond Dublin, other tolled routes including the M4 Kilcock to Kinnegad and M3 Clonee to Kells motorways will see a 10-cent increase. Larger HGVs with four or more axles on the M4 will face a 20-cent rise.
TII defended the increases, saying toll prices are linked to inflation and cannot exceed it. The agency added that toll revenues are essential for maintaining the country’s road network. “Tolling provides for the annual protection and renewal of national roads,” it said in a statement.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from opposition politicians. Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy called on the government to halt the increases, arguing they will disproportionately affect commuters. “This simply should not go ahead,” he said, speaking at Leinster House. “TII is putting additional costs on people just trying to get to work.”
Carthy added that the timing of the increases would compound existing financial pressures on households already facing higher carbon taxes, fuel costs, and insurance premiums. “The Government should be supporting people, not making their lives harder,” he said.
The latest toll adjustments come as Ireland continues to grapple with rising living costs and inflationary pressures. TII maintains that the changes are in line with regulatory mechanisms and necessary to sustain vital transport infrastructure — but for many drivers, the increases will add another expense to already strained budgets.
