Long awaited contactless card payment facilities have been announced this week for the M8 Fermoy Toll and the Limerick Tunnel.
On Tuesday BOI Payment Acceptance (BOIPA) and Direct Route announced the new payment method for both toll plazas, which has been in discussion since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Declan Cahill, CEO of Direct route said: “We very much welcome our partnership with BOI Payment Acceptance to deliver fast and contactless payments facilities.”
With the rise of Covid-19, a dramatic fall is cash usage has been noted, with many opting instead for card and contactless payments.
Managing Director at BOIPA, Brian Cleary said: “Today’s announcement is great news for any motorist who passes through the Limerick Tunnel and M8 Fermoy.”
“Now, more than ever, consumers want fast, simple and secure payments, which we are delighted to be able to facilitate for motorists utilising these locations,” he added.
When The Avondhu reported on this issue in August, according to etoll.ie, ten of Ireland’s eleven toll roads have regular barrier toll plazas where you can pay with cash or card, with the M50 being the only toll where it is not required to stop.
There was no mention of the M8 toll near Fermoy not accepting card payments.
Direct Route CEO Declan Cahill told The Avondhu at the time: “We process thousands of vehicles daily, many of which use electronic ‘Tags’ and our automatic lanes for passage through the plaza.
“It accounts for 45% of road users using a tag for fast electronic payment of tolls. Based on our analysis of other plazas in Ireland, the card usage is only 5-6%.”
Prior to Covid-19, Direct Route were already in discussions with various payment providers to update payment methods.
Direct Route Ltd have a 30-year concession through a joint PPP Contract with TII, to design, maintain and operate two road projects, namely Limerick tunnel and the M8 Motorway in Cork.
