Cullen seeks report on M50 barriers

The Minister for Transport said he had requested a report from the National Roads Authority (NRA) on the provision of median barriers on the M50.

Mr Cullen said it had been intended by the NRA that median barriers would be provided in the context of the upgrade project, which was due to get under way, subject to An Bord Pleanála approval, on a phased basis in late 2005 for phase one and in 2006 for phase two.

"However, in the light of the recent crossover accident on the M50, in which a young woman tragically lost her life, I offer the family of the young woman my condolences and those of the Government. The NRA is now considering the options for providing median barriers in advance of the M50 upgrade," he added.

The Labour spokeswoman on transport, Ms Roisin Shortall, said that low containment wire rope did not prevent any kind of heavy vehicle crossing over and posed dangers to motorcyclists.

Mr Cullen said there was already a substantial programme in place for the introduction of median barriers.