(Updated Aug 28th )

The M50 barrier free tolling system is supposed to begin on August 30th. The system is being introduced to help increase traffic flow – the system will have cameras to record your registration numbers and readers to read toll tags.

For non regular M50 users (less than 5 trips a month ) – the cheapest option on paper is to register for a “pay as you toll plus” tag at Tolltag.ie – This is a free tag with a 10% admin fee. For for people using the M50 once a week – this fee would work out at just 80c a month. But If you are going to use the M50 more than 5 times a month – the 10% admin fee will come to more than the other providers €1 fee. The drawback with this option is the initial top up of €40 (enough for about 18 trips) and the automatic top up of €20 when your balance gets to €12.
The eflow tag post pay tag account is probably the best option for most drivers using the M50 more than twice a month. You pay by laser or Direct Debit each month – for the previous month charges. No initial fee or top ups – this is really “pay after you go”. There is a €1 a month admin fee whether you use the M50 or not which may put some people off – but the fact that you don’t have to depost €40 euro up front is a bonus. See Eflow.ie for more details and registration.

The eflow.ie video recognition account is a good option too for low volume users This has no admin fee but the toll fee is €2.50 per journey.If you use the M50 once or twice a month only – this is a good choice. You pay after you use it – you don’t have to pre load a balance into the account. You can pay monthly by Credit Card, Laser or Direct Debit. Register at eflow.ie Lo-Call (from Ireland): 1890 50 10 50

If you are going to use the M50 more than five times a month – the cheapest option is to register for a free tag with a 1 euro a month fee.
The simplest account is the post pay from Eflow – but no credit card payments allowed.

Eazypass.ie , Directroute.ie and Etrip.ie also offer free tags and a one euro a month admin fee – but they do not seem to have a post-pay option.

If you don’t register for a tag or a video recognition account – you will be charged €3 euro a trip.
Beware – you will have to pay by 8pm the next day or you will incur hefty penalties of up to €143 euro.
Payments can be made via credit card or laser over the phone or online. Also payments accepted at Payzone outlets in many shops.
See details of M50 Penalty Charges

TagCompare.ie has more details of Tolltag providers and prices.