The N6 Galway to East Ballinasloe scheme has been designated by the National Roads Authority (NRA) as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. It is planned to be a design/build/operate/finance contract with a long-term concession period, in the order of 30 years. During this period the concessionaire will recover some or all of the up-front construction costs and the on-going operation/road maintenance costs through the collection of tolls.

The PPP scheme is based on the idea that better value for money can be achieved for suitable projects through the utilisation of private sector enterprise. These types of schemes are used successfully throughout the world as a means of providing vital public infrastructure and also ensuring operation and maintenance to a high standard over the long term for the benefit of the user.

The NRA is progressing all its PPP schemes as toll roads. Toll charges will be set at a level consistent with balancing the objectives of producing satisfactory revenue and attracting maximum traffic on the new roads. The aim is to secure complete project funding from the private sector, however a public subsidy will be considered for such a high cost scheme, which cannot be solely financed from tolls.

The actual toll charges will be determined in accordance with the procedures contained in the Roads Act 1993. This has been amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000, which provides for public consultation on a tolling proposal brought forward by the NRA. An Oral Hearing and consideration of submissions is also provided for prior to the determination of the proposal.