The Taoiseach had told the Dáil that buying out the Westlink Toll Bridge is not an option.
Answering questions from the Labour leader, Pat Rabbitte, on traffic congestion in west Dublin, Bertie Ahern said the Government was not considering buying out the contract operated by National Toll Roads.
He said the solution to the problem was the implementation of the M50 upgrade and the introduction of barrier free tolling.
Mr Ahern said efforts would be made to try and prevent mass disruption when the M50 is being widened, and he would consult with the Minister for the Environment on the matter.
The work on the M50 is due to begin in the summer.
