The National Road Authority (NRA) has unveiled a new strategy designed to minimise the impact of its road building on the environment.
The NRA's strategy, which is designed "to promote the integration of environmental measures into the planning, construction and operation of the national road programme" was announced at a one-day conference in Dublin.
Delegates at Croke Park event will hear from a number of experts, including archaeologists, ecologists and environmentalists. The speakers have a wide range of expertise, from air pollution to badgers to bats to noise reduction.
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen told the conference that it was undeniable that road building has major implications for the environment. However, he insisted NRA was committed to building new roads in conjunction with local authorities and the public to reduce the impact on the countryside.
"There is always scope for improvement and today's conference will assist in this process," he said.
A total of €1.4 billion has been allocated this year to build 300 kilometres of new roads under Transport 21.