Deputy Regina Doherty

Tolls on the N2 would only lead to an increase in HGVs passing through small towns and villages, such as Curragha, Ratoath and Ashbourne, according to Deputy Regina Doherty.

She warned that tolls would only worsen traffic problems and must not be introduced on the N2.

Deputy Doherty was speaking after the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar issued the National Roads Authority (NRA) with a report outlining a number of alternatives to the Slane bypass.

The NRA is now considering three options; covering the cost of M1 tolls for HGVs, tolling the N2 at Slane or Ashbourne or implementing the Traffic Management Plan for the village, the final draft of which lies with Meath County Council.

Deputy Doherty said that since the proposed Slane bypass was refused permission by An Bord Pleanála earlier this year, local residents have been left in limbo and continue to suffer as a result of the huge volume of trucks and lorries that pass through the village every day.

"The status quo is putting lives at risk, and it is essential that a long term solution is found that doesn't just force Slane's problems onto other villages in Meath."

"Surely the most feasible option - and the only option in my view - is for Meath County Council to immediately implement the Traffic Management Plan. Tolling the N2 would be a disaster for the residents of other villages in Meath which will suffer as a result," she said.