A feasibility study on the development of a ring road around Dublin will not result in a second M50, according to Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen.
Mr Cullen has asked the National Roads Authority to carry out a feasibility study into the possibility of developing such a route to tackle traffic congestion.
Speaking to RTÉ News, the minister said any proposed route is likely to be a considerable distance away from the city.
During the study, the NRA will examine how much such a road would cost, how long it would take to construct and what route it would take.
However, Mr Cullen said it was not the only answer to Dublin's traffic problems.
The minister was announcing an investment of €1.4 billion for roads infrastructure in 2005. Eight road projects will be completed and construction will begin on 19 others.
