Calls have been made to the Irish Roads Minister to ensure all of the country's transport links meet new EU safety regulations.

MEP Jim Higgins has asked Minister Noel Dempsey to guarantee that EU-led infrastructural improvements are carried out on all the country's roads and motorway networks.

The Fine Gael MEP wants assurance that work will also be carried out on rural roads.

Speaking after the approval of the Markov road safety management report, Mr Higgins, who sits on the European Parliament's Transport Committee, said it is imperative the Roads Minister implements the new guidelines rigorously.

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Mr Higgins said the successful introduction of the rules would put an end to poor road signage, as well as the elimination of dangerous sections, poor road repairs and uncompleted resurfacing work.

The main areas of the new guidelines are designed to the reduce road fatalities and injuries sustained in collisions, or those which were the result of poor infrastructural conditions.

MEP Mr Higgins said: "We should not miss the opportunity and I will be asking the Minister for a detailed explanation from him and his department as to how he will maximise this priceless opportunity."

(PR/JM)