THE ROAD Safety Authority has expressed concern over the suspension of building plans for nine out of 12 motorway service areas.
The 12 locations along the motorway network, incorporating fuel stops, rest areas, retail facilities, restaurants and washrooms, were identified for development by 2010 – when the full inter-urban motorway network was due for completion.
But due to Government cuts announced in March, nine service areas were suspended indefinitely.
The cuts mean new motorways due to open next year between Dublin and Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford will not have fuel stops or rest areas.
In a letter to the National Roads Authority (NRA) about the effects of the cuts, it said driver fatigue was a significant issue on Irish roads. It told the NRA that while it welcomed the development of three service areas, two on the M1 at Lusk and Castlebellingham, and one at Enfield on the M4, further rest areas should be developed as quickly as possible.
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