NO ROADS on the island of Ireland have been listed in the most dangerous high-risk category, according to a new European Road assessment programme (EuroRap) report.
Six roads in the Republic, identified as high risk in the previous study from 2005, have been successfully upgraded. However, it rated 350km in the Republic as medium risk and recommended 10 stretches covering 147km for immediate upgrade work.
These routes include the N59 between Ballina and Dromore West in Co Mayo and the N14 in Co Donegal. Over 130 people were killed or injured on these two roads in the four years to 2006, the report found.
The report was produced jointly by the National Roads Authority, AA Ireland and the Roads Service of Northern Ireland. It was based on an analysis of 7,600km of roads across the island of Ireland.
Speaking at the launch of the report in Dublin yesterday the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said while 90 per cent of crashes were down to driver error, steps must be taken to deal with the 10 per cent which arise due to difficulties with the road network.
Mr Dempsey said he would be asking local authorities and the Department to take into account the 10 roads highlighted for remedial works when deciding on their works programme. "The local authorities prioritise their lists and we make an allocation to them," he said.
The report found ongoing problems with narrow single-lane carriageways, noting that they are six times more dangerous than a motorway.
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