Campaigners have renewed calls for the removal of the Donore Road ramp tolls, arguing that greater use of the M1 could help ease persistent traffic congestion in Drogheda.
The Make Drogheda Toll Free campaign says planning for the eventual removal of the tolls should begin now, despite the existing toll contract running until 2034.
The group made the call amid continuing frustration over traffic congestion in and around the town, saying a longer-term solution is needed rather than accepting recurring gridlock.
“Stuck in Drogheda traffic again this morning?” the campaign said in a social media post.
“The plan must be bigger than simply accepting the same gridlock year after year.”
Campaigners argue that removing the Donore Road ramp tolls would allow motorists to make greater use of the M1 for local journeys around Drogheda, rather than directing traffic back onto already congested roads through the town.
“Start planning now for the removal of the Donore Road Ramp Tolls, so people can move more freely around Drogheda and make better use of the M1 instead of being pushed back onto already congested local roads,” the group said.
“The contract may run to 2034 but the planning should start now. Remove the barriers. Improve movement. Connect Drogheda. One Drogheda – no barriers.”
The campaign to make Drogheda toll-free has long argued that the location of the M1 tolling arrangements has an impact on local traffic movements, particularly for motorists who could otherwise use the motorway to bypass congested routes through the town.
The latest intervention comes as traffic congestion continues to be a major issue for commuters travelling through Drogheda, with campaigners now calling for the future of the toll arrangements to form part of longer-term transport planning for the town.