“It is a historic meeting,” insists Michel Parent, president of the Community of Municipalities (CdC) of the island of Oléron, referring to a future “long-term cooperation”. The largest metropolitan island after Corsica welcomed this Wednesday its sisters of Ré and Noirmoutier as part of an unprecedented initiative: to obtain the establishment of an ecotax also called ecoparticipation or… right of passage. In other words: create a toll at the entrance to these “connected islands”. Ré has been benefiting from it since 1999. Oléron and Noirmoutier dream of it and intend to use Réais’ example to win their cause at a time when public money is scarce.
Officially this tithe is used to finance environmental protection, the fight against marine erosion, the renovation of bridges and the improvement of soft mobility. Since 1995, a law authorizes departmental councils to establish this right of passage. Michel Parent and Fabien Gaborit, president of the CoC of the island of Noirmoutier, respond to this.
A doubled account
Supported by Lionel Quillet, Rais counterpart, these elected officials intend to put pressure on their respective departments. If Vendée had recently decided not to do so, Charente-Maritime, faced with budgetary difficulties and large-scale projects, might change its mind. Oléronais Michel Parent understands this well: the margin for maneuver is narrow but it exists.
The renovation of the Oléron viaduct would now cost the department almost 60 million euros, says the Oléron elected official. “When I left the departmental council in 2021, there was talk of 30 million euros,” slips this former vice-president of the majority. The establishment of an ecotax on vehicles would therefore make it possible to alleviate the suffering, he underlines. Last June, Charente-Maritime president Sylvie Marcilly finally opened the door to possible negotiations. Long opposed to the introduction of a toll at the entrance to the island of Oléron, the elected representative (Orizzonti) visibly changed her mind and then spoke of “broad consultation”.
Local initiative referendum?
L’Oléronais kept the message and stomps their feet, just like Noirmoutier. When do they imagine they will benefit from this right of passage? “It all depends on the department, a decision in principle can be taken as early as 2025,” says Michel Parent today, already imagining “the first effects starting from 2028 or 2029”. Wishful thinking at this point. Questioned by “Le Parisien”, Sylvie Marcilly estimated in June that nothing would be done “hurriedly” in this matter.
The price list and the free toll – or not - only for Oléro residents could in fact inflame the department and put users on edge. There are many issues that will need to be resolved before introducing an ecotax. Michel Parent believes it, hard as iron. To the point of agreeing to the organization of a possible public debate: “I’m not against it. And a local initiative referendum poses no difficulty for me.” It remains to be seen what the Oléronais, and more generally the Charentais-Maritimes, think of it.
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, Michel Parent, president of the Community of Municipalities of the island of Oléron. Thank you for joining us today. There’s a lot of excitement about this historic meeting among the islands of Oléron, Ré, and Noirmoutier. Can you tell us a bit about the significance of this gathering?
Michel Parent: Thank you for having me. This meeting is pivotal. We are not just here as individual islands; we are united by a common goal—to advocate for the establishment of an ecotax, also known as ecoparticipation or the right of passage. This initiative is essential for long-term cooperation among our communities as we seek to protect our environments and manage the increasing pressures from tourism.
Interviewer: That sounds promising! Oléron and Noirmoutier are looking toward Ré as a model. Could you elaborate on how Ré has set the stage for this ecotax?
Michel Parent: Absolutely. Ré has had an ecotax in place since 1999, and the benefits have been substantial. The funds generated from this toll are funneled into crucial environmental projects, such as combating marine erosion, maintaining infrastructure like bridges, and enhancing transportation options. By establishing a similar system in Oléron and Noirmoutier, we aim to secure financial resources dedicated to our own ecological preservation.
Interviewer: You mentioned “public money is scarce.” How does this ecotax provide a solution to the financial challenges faced by your islands?
Michel Parent: It’s true that budgetary constraints are a significant concern for us. For example, the renovation of the Oléron viaduct has ballooned to nearly 60 million euros, significantly up from the estimated 30 million when I left the departmental council in 2021. With an ecotax, we can alleviate some of the financial pressure on local governments, allowing us to invest in vital projects without solely relying on dwindling public funds.
Interviewer: It sounds like you’re actively engaging the local departments to gain support. How receptive have they been?
Michel Parent: We are working closely with colleagues like Fabien Gaborit from Noirmoutier, and we’re gaining momentum. While the Vendée department has recently chosen not to adopt an ecotax, Charente-Maritime may reconsider, especially given their own budget challenges and the pressing need for infrastructure renewal. We understand that our margin for maneuver is narrow, but we are hopeful.
Interviewer: What kinds of projects do you envision funding with the potential revenue from an ecotax?
Michel Parent: Aside from the renovation of vital infrastructures, we are particularly focused on initiatives that promote soft mobility—like bike paths and pedestrian zones—to encourage sustainable transport methods. Protecting our natural landscapes from erosion and the impacts of climate change is also at the forefront of our priorities.
Interviewer: Collaboration across these islands is crucial for this initiative. What message do you want to send to your fellow islanders and stakeholders about this effort?
Michel Parent: I want to emphasize that this is a fight for our future. By working together and supporting the establishment of an ecotax, we can ensure that our islands remain sustainable, vibrant, and enjoy the natural beauty we’ve inherited for generations to come. Our collective action can pave the way for innovative solutions that benefit not just our immediate communities but also our environment.
Interviewer: Thank you, Michel Parent. It’s been enlightening to learn about this ambitious initiative. We look forward to seeing how this historic meeting will shape the future of Oléron, Ré, and Noirmoutier in the coming years.
Michel Parent: Thank you for your time! We’re excited about the path ahead and the possibilities it holds.