Last week, it was announced that road tolls in Ireland would be changing to the maximum allowed increase from January 2023.

The news came as another unwelcome blow for many already struggling to make ends meet and caused major outrage online.

In response to this, and the current cost of living crisis, the Government has agreed to delay the planned rise for six months until July 1.

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The change will eventually see a 10c increase and it is understood that by deferring it, it will cost around €12.5m.

The issue was met with strong political opposition for the very reason that families nationwide cannot even afford to heat their homes this year.

In the aftermath of the deferral, the Oireachtas Transport Committee will hear from representatives of Transport Infrastructure Ireland on Tuesday evening.

Reports suggest that TII will insist that if the increased road tolls are held off until January, it could lead to larger hikes in 2024 because of high inflation.

TII also warned that any freezing of toll charges would reduce its revenue - which is used to maintain roads.

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