Atlas to include road safety information

Road safety information including the locations of the Garda speed cameras, high incident collision zones, toll motorways ‑ and alternatives – are displayed in the latest Road Atlas of Ireland  published this afternoon by Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI).

The publication, which represents the first time an official atlas has displayed dangerous collision zones and speed cameras in Ireland, was jointly developed with the Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland.

It also features advice from the Garda and the Road Safety Authority on issues such as driver fatigue, speed control and alcohol limits.

Another first for an atlas of roads in the Republic is the inclusion of the full complement of motorways in the State’s new motorway network, which is on schedule for completion this year. The atlas features route information on each motorway with all exits clearly marked.

Among the 738 kilometres of new motorway are clearly marked designations of which roads are toll roads – and their alternatives. The M3 Dublin to the Meath/Cavan border is included as is the Shannon Tunnel, and all five of the major inter-urban motorways which will be open to drivers this year. These include the M4/M6 to Galway; the M7/M8 to Limerick and the M7 to Cork and the M9 to Waterford. It also carries the the M1 to the Border with Northern Ireland, the M11, and the M2 as well as recently upgraded sections of national roads.

OSI chief executive Geraldine Ruane said the new Atlas was launched to coincide with the year in which all the main interurban motorways will open. “The main road network has been transformed beyond recognition in recent years and maps and Sat Navs need major updating,” she said.

“OSI is particularly delighted that it is published in partnership with our colleagues, Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland, which means it is the most comprehensive road map of the whole island” Ms Ruane said.

RSA chairman Gay Byrne said: “The Road Safety Authority is extremely happy to partner with the Ordnance Survey in the publication of the official Road Atlas of Ireland in 2010. We see it as an ideal way to get road safety messages directly into the hands of road users."

The official Road Atlas of Ireland is an essential publication for all road users, tourists and professional drivers in Ireland and can be purchased from OSi offices, agents and bookshops throughout the country.

With an annual publication run of over 100,000 copies, the OSI Road Atlas is the most popular mapping product covering the 32 counties of Ireland.