East Link toll cut after quashing of Vat charges on state-owned bridges

MOTORISTS using the East Link bridge over the River Liffey are set to see a reduction in their toll – but no other price cuts will take place at the country’s other toll bridges.

The boost for motorists in the capital is as a result of a 2010 order by the Revenue Commissioners that the State start charging Vat on toll bridges in its ownership.

These were the M50 toll bridge, the Dublin Port Tunnel and the East Link, since renamed the Tom Clarke bridge.

The Revenue’s decree was overturned earlier this year after it was appealed to the European Court of Justice, with Dublin City Council announcing yesterday that tolls for cars using the East Link would drop from €1.75 to €1.40.

Brendan O’Brien, head of technical services at Dublin City Council, said: ‘From 18 August, the Vat on the toll is being got rid of, so the net toll rates that people pay at the toll bridge are being reduced.’

However, no drop is expected at the M50 toll bridge or the Dublin Port Tunnel as its operator Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) said it absorbed the cost of the Vat increase when it was first introduced.

No reduction will happen at the country’s remaining toll bridges as they are in private ownership and will therefore continue to be subject to Vat.

It’s believed that an amount of Vat paid by TII to the Revenue – estimated to be between around €17million for the Dublin Port Tunnel – is now due back to the State body.

Although unlikely, it remains to be seen of this could lead to reduced toll charges as a result.