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Transport Minister Noel Dempsey, T.D., announces the implementation of the Motorway Declaration

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey, T.D., announces the implementation of the Motorway Declaration to take effect on Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Transport Minister Mr. Noel Dempsey, T.D., announced details of the Motorway Declarations.The Minister stated, “It's great news that we are progressing ahead with the re-designation of these dual carriageways to motorways.  The motorways announced today are located throughout all the regions and they continue to underpin this Government's commitment to safer, more efficient roads and to enhance the quality of life for people and for business.”

This declaration is intended to enhance safety and operational efficiency on the route and to shorten journey times by availing, as appropriate, of the design speed of 120 kph which usually applies to motorway sections of the national road network. The designation to motorway status would also serve to protect the route against inappropriate development, including multiple access points, which would have road safety implications and affect the efficiency and service life of the route.

Certain categories of road users are prohibited from using motorways, e.g. learner drivers, vehicles not exceeding 50 cc in engine capacity, vehicles not capable of a speed of 50 kph, pedestrians and cyclists. These road users will be catered for by the local/regional road network, including those sections of national road re-classified following construction of the new schemes.

In making these applications to the Minister, t he National Roads Authority has, in accordance with section 8(2) of the 2007 Act, informed the Minister that:

  • the sections of road concerned will be constructed to a similar standard as existing motorways;
  • no access to land is to cease as a result of the declarations sought by the applications (appropriate arrangements have been made for alternative means of access to property as part of the earlier road scheme planning process) , and
  • the road developments concerned will be atleast dual carriageways or integrated parts of the design of dual carriageways and part of the network of national roads.

Mr. Peter Malone, Chairman of NRA stated, "The NRA will continue to deliver a safe and efficient inter-urban motorway network throughout the country. This is a major step forward and we are very pleased with the Ministers Declaration. We look forward to delivering all inter-urban motorways by the end of 2010, thus fulfilling the NRA’s commitment under Transport 21.”

The motorway sections are the following

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