Re-designation to take effect on August 28th 2009  

The Minister for Transport, Mr. Noel Dempsey, T.D., today declared a total of 294km of national roads as new motorway sections under SI No. 255 of 2009 which will take affect on August 28th 2009. 

Please note that all special speed limits (construction zones) will remain in place beyond August 28th, 2009

N2 Dublin to Derry

Killshane to Ashbourne (open to traffic) 13 km

N3 Dublin to Cavan

Littlepace to Loughsallagh (under construction) 2.1 km

Loughsallagh to Pace (under construction) 2.3 km

N4 Dublin to Sligo

Kinnegad to McNead's Bridge (open to traffic) 6.8 km

N6 Dublin to Galway

Athlone to Ballinasloe (Opening to traffic shortly) 20 km

Ballinasloe to Galway (under construction) 51 km

N7 Dublin to Limerick

Limerick Southern Ring Road (Phase 1)  (open to traffic) 8.5 km

N7/N20 Rossbrien Interchange (under construction) 1.5 km

N8 Dublin to Cork

Watergrasshill to Glanmire (open to traffic) 7 km

Glanmire Bypass (open to traffic) 6.3 km

N9 Dublin to Waterford                                                                                

Powerstown to Waterford (under construction) 64 km

N11 Dublin to Wexford

Ashford to Rathnew (open to traffic) 8 km

Arklow Bypass (open to traffic) 7 km

Arklow to Gorey (open to traffic) 21 km

N18 Oranmore to Limerick

Shannon to Ennis (open to traffic) 8.3 km

Ennis Bypass (open to traffic) 12.5 km

Gort to Crusheen (under construction) 22 km

Oranmore to Gort (in planning) 28 km

N20 Cork to Limerick

Limerick to Attyflin (N20/N21 Junction) (open to traffic) 5 km

The design speed of 120kph will apply to all newly declared motorway sections unless special speed limits are in operation. In addition, the designation to motorway status will 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 pedal cyclists.

Speaking today, Minister Dempsey said "By declaring these sections of road to be motorways, it will create uniformity of speed limits across major sections of the national network and protect this major public investment from inappropriate development. The primary function of a national motorway network is to allow people, goods and services to travel safely and efficiently throughout the country."

In line with the provisions of the Act, this Order applies only to dual carriageways (or integrated parts thereof) that were already built, were under construction or in planning when the Roads Act 2007 was enacted.

Drivers using the existing open sections of these routes should note, that until 28 August 2009, the current speed limit will apply.

In accordance with Section 8 of the Roads Act 2007, a public consultation process was undertaken following the receipt of applications from the National Roads Authority (NRA) for the re-designation of certain public roads to motorway status.  Having considered all the submissions received, the Minister has decided to declare the following sections of roads, to be motorways: