The Government is considering barrier-free tolling to cut traffic gridlock, Tanaiste Mary Harney confirmed to the Dáil today.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday told Green Party chairman John Gormley that the Cabinet had no plans to introduce the measure to ease daily congestion at toll booths.
However Ms Harney, deputising for Mr Ahern during today's Order of Business, said she wanted to clarify the issue.
"Deputy Gormley inquired if there was going to be barrier-free tolling legislation and the Taoiseach said 'no'," she told TDs. "I just want to clarify the matter that it is being considered as part of the Road Miscellaneous Provisions Bill which will be published early next year."
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen yesterday said he was unhappy with the current level of service for motorists at the Westlink Toll Plaza. He added that he was open minded about using the penalty points system to ensure motorists pay tolls if barriers were removed, but the AA strongly disagreed with this.
It also emerged yesterday that Westlink operators, NTR proposed to Mr Cullen in May that the barriers could be lifted and drivers could pre-pay or be charged electronically or through motor tax. Only 10,000 vehicles passed through the Westlink Toll Plaza each day when it was opened in 1990 and but that volume has jumped to 80,000.
Opposition TDs and motorists have criticised the Plaza for adding to the peak-time gridlock on the M50 motorway.