Opposition is growing to a proposed tolled motorway linking Limerick and Nenagh. At a meeting in Abbeyleix, Co Laois, on Thursday the objectives of a new campaign organisation, which has attracted more than 60 residents' groups, from around the country, were decided.
They include a ban on any further toll roads, a suspension of the compulsory purchase order process and a review of the National Roads Authority function.
Meanwhile, residents of Castleconnell and surrounding areas in Co Limerick are preparing to resist the splitting of local communities by the £140 million highway which is to replace a 17-mile section of the N7.
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council has already objected, stating that both proposed routes would cut through the Shower/Annaholty Bog, a proposed Special Area of Conservation and home of the rare marsh fritillary butterfly.
Mr Chris Casey, chairman of the Castleconnell, Lisnagry and Ahane Group, and a committee member of the new national group, "Campaign for Sensible Transport", said the thinking behind the national roads plan was flawed.
"What we are looking for is a strategic review of all the transport policies, not just roads. We want it to be an integrated transport plan."
At a meeting in Castleconnell on Wednesday, attended by more than 200 people, Mr Peter Sweetman said: "This road is going to cost roughly £5,000 a metre, and I think what 10 metres or 100 metres would do for a hospital or a school or any facility in your community."
A Green Party TD, Mr Trevor Sargent, described the national policy as an "orgy of road engineering" which would disproportionately benefit importers. Details of the national transport campaign can be found at www.sensibletransport.com