Infrastructure operator NTR reported a sharp increase in interim profits due to a strong performance from its wind energy division.
Group revenues for the first half increased by 34.3 per cent to €169 million. This increase was driven mainly by Airtricity, which increased its share by €26 million to €86.4 million.
Waste business Greenstar reported revenues of €47.5 million, and NTR Roads rose 25 per cent to €26.1 million.
The company, which operates the M50 and Westlink toll bridges, blamed the congestion on the M50 toll plaza on the current traffic capacity of the road.
NTR said it fully supports the National Roads Authority's plans to upgrade the M50 and said it is "committed to playing a constructive role" in ensuring the smooth transmission of the Westlink facility to an open-road tolling solution.
The State received €21.7 million in toll fees in the period, including €1.86 million in respect of an underpayment of the licence fee during 2002 and 2003.