THE Irish Business and Employers' Confederation (IBEC) has called for a single transport ministry to be introduced.

"Transport has always been the poor relation in government. We have never had a transport department on its own in this country and yet it is vital for all sections of the economy," said Mr John Kenna, IBEC director of transport policy.

"Now there is confusion and bureaucratic differences between the Department of Transport Energy and Communications, the Department of the Marine and the Department of the Environment. Finance and Justice can also be involved, which makes it very difficult to get anything done."

IBEC has also called for Aer Rianta and the airlines to take advantage of EU funding to examine capacity needs in the airfreight industry.

"There are huge problems there now and nobody knows exactly the most cost effective way to sort it out," said assistant director Ms Karen O'Sullivan.

"There are EU research funds available which could be tapped," she added.

The IBEC report, Transport Strategy Needs beyond the Year 2000, recommends an integrated investment policy.

"We need to ensure all the investment which has been promised is used before the funding runs out in 1999," said Mr Pat Lynch, chairman of IBEC's transport council. "The road network needs to be brought up to minimal standards," Mr Lynch added. "Even in 2005, 36 per cent of existing roads will be unimproved."