Press Release. NRA, 17th. October 2007.

Business Community Warned to be Ready for 2010
- or the Roads Will Pass You By!

Business Leaders who fail to have a vision for the future and capitalise on the country's national road infrastructure, which is developing at a rapid pace, risk being bypassed and left behind, warns Peter Malone, Chairman of the National Roads Authority and former Managing Director Jury's Group PLC.

"Forward thinking communities will reap huge benefits with the roll out of 5 major motorways/dual carriageways linking Dublin to Galway, Cork, Limerick, Waterford & the Border by 2010. As a result the country's road network will be vastly different from today. Those who do not capitalise on this resource will be left at an economic disadvantage", said Mr. Malone

Speaking at the Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference today in Athlone, Mr. Malone cited his hometown of Dundalk as an example of a community that has successfully harnessed its new asset, the Dundalk to Newry Inter Urban Route, which was completed in August of this year. According to Mr. Malone the key drivers of local economic development had an economic plan in place prior to the routes opening which has resulted in a thriving business community.

Mr. Malone said, "The major inter urban routes will open up the regions, breath new life into towns and villages, improve people's quality of life and result in greater commercial and tourism opportunities along with a significant safety dividend for motorists. At present the NRA would be in a position to spend an extra half a billion euro per year in addition to its yearly budget without adversely impacting on building inflation. This would enable the Authority to fast track a number of priority projects".

In conclusion Mr. Malone said, "The NRA and the Government are thinking ahead in terms of meeting future traffic demands. Feasibility studies for a Leinster Orbital Route and an Eastern Bypass in Dublin have been completed. In order to capitalise on an improved national road network it is important that the business community plans not just for the short term but engages in forward planning. Chambers who are thinking ahead will be winners".

For further information please contact: Sean O' Neill, Head of Communications (01) 6658744/ (086) 8230600.