Two of Ireland's busiest motorways are set to get three service areas, the first of 12 new ones to be built.

The National Authority Roads (NRA) will this week lodge planning applications to build two service areas on the M1 and a third on the M4.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey last week signed-off the necessary regulations giving effect to provisions in the Road Act 2007 to facilitate service areas along national routes.

As a result, the NRA expects this week to submit Service Area Schemes to An Bord Pleanala for the first tranche of three service areas on currently constructed sections of the motorway.

Each service area will have facilities on or accessible from both sides of the motorway, with extensive parking, fuel pumps, take-away and sit-in restaurants and toilet areas.

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The Minister said: "The NRA has already begun the PPP procurement processes for these service areas. They are also actively pursuing site acquisition for other proposed areas on the rest of the national road network. Subject to An Bord Pleanala approval, completion of the first three service areas is anticipated in 2009."

Labour Transport Spokesperson Tommy Broughan welcomed the decision by Mr Dempsey to give approval for the rollout of the network of motorway service areas.

He said: "There has been an appalling absence of service and rest areas and facilities for motorists and commercial drivers on the inter-urban road network.

"The Minister must now ensure that the other nine service areas earmarked for the N6, M7/N7, N8, N9, N6/N18 and N11 are urgently brought on stream".

Minister Dempsey said: "The NRA had initially considered developing service and rest areas separately.

"However, having considered the matter further they have decided that service areas with extensive facilities available for both cars and HGVs offer a more attractive product and a more secure environment."

Fourteen consortiums applied to build and run the first three stations, of which five companies were shortlisted: Macon Consortium, Service Area Solutions, Macquarie Partnerships for Ireland, Land Securities Trillium and Superstop Consortium.

(VB)