Full coverage: Transport Infrastructure Ireland

Analysis of official traffic data and results from private toll road operators paint a grim financial picture. Another private operator is in serious financial trouble, while the taxpayer is shouldering most of the sector’s continuing pandemic burden.

DirectRoute lost €8.4m in toll revenue from Cork and Limerick motorways last year as travel restrictions hit traffic. Taxpayers have covered more than half of it for the benefit of its overseas investors.

From wage subsidy schemes to public-private partnerships, recently filed accounts show that some companies have benefited handsomely from state handouts triggered by the pandemic – whether they needed them or not.

The Waterford toll road has underperformed since it opened in 2009 as a public-private partnership. Now it has new owners and wants creditors to write down millions in secured debt.