Another Irish Transport Screw up

RTE Thursday, 23 July 2009 14:23
M6 speed limit signs set to be replaced
Fine Gael TD Denis Naughten has criticised the Government over plans to change all speed limit signs on a new section of the M6, just 36 days after today's official opening.
The new dual carriageway between Athlone and Ballinasloe was opened by Taoiseach Brian Cowen today.
Deputy Naughten said the road will be re-designated as a motorway in 36 days, on 28 August, when all its speed limit signs will have to be changed from 100km/h to 120km/h.
He described the situation as yet another screw up that will cost public money and which could have been avoided.
'[The Minister's] screw up means that the dual carriageway will contain one set of speed limit signs for 36 days (100km/h) and then every single one of these signs will have to be replaced with speed limit signs of 120km/h,' Mr Naughten said.
Mr Naughten claims the Minister for Transport published a plan to redesignate the section of road last September, but only signed the required ministerial orders on 2 July.
The road has been finished five weeks ahead of schedule and on budget, with construction costs of €100m.
It is expected to take around 15 minutes off the journey time between the two towns.