Northern Ireland

Dublin Port Tunnel tolls can also be paid in sterling

Operators of the Dublin Tunnel have confirmed that tolls can be paid in sterling
Operators of the Dublin Tunnel have confirmed that tolls can be paid in sterling Operators of the Dublin Tunnel have confirmed that tolls can be paid in sterling

STERLING can be used to pay for tolls at Dublin’s Port Tunnel, it has been confirmed.

The news comes after The Irish News revealed that M1 toll booths used by thousands of northern drivers will take either euro or sterling payments - despite signs on approaches stating “No Sterling”.

Automated machines which accept correct change are also due to be updated to recognise sterling coins by the end of next year.

The 5.6km Port Tunnel links the M1 and M50 with Dublin city centre and is free for heavy goods vehicles and buses but costs €3 for other motorists, except for peak times when the toll rises to €10.

Opened a decade ago, it aimed to take port traffic out of city streets and was the single biggest civil-engineering project in the state's history at a cost of €750m.

Like the M1 bypassing Dundalk and Drogheda, tolls are advertised only in euro and have required northern motorists to have euro currency ready to pay the charge.

However, a representative of Dublin Tunnel, the company that operates the system, has now confirmed that sterling is accepted is payment.

As with the M1, the rate charged is also the same in euro and sterling, despite the differing currency values.

The Dublin Tunnel links the M1 and M50 with the port and city centre
The Dublin Tunnel links the M1 and M50 with the port and city centre The Dublin Tunnel links the M1 and M50 with the port and city centre

Ulster Unionist MLA and economy spokesman Steve Aiken questioned why it has taken so long to make the situation clear.

"The news that motorists can pay the toll in sterling is indeed welcome, but I do wonder why it has taken literally years for this to be publicised," he said.

"Anything that helps north-south travel, trade or tourism is to be welcomed, and this news should put an end to people scrambling for change as they approach the toll."

DUP MP and transport spokesman Jim Shannon also said it needs to be clear what currencies are accepted at toll bridges.

"It is important that the signage on the toll plaza or anywhere else is accurate so the public know what currency they can or cannot use," he said.