Nine sections of national road dual carriageways have been designated motorways.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey made the order concerning the new motorway sections under the 2007 Transport Act, following an application by the National Roads Authority.
From this morning the speed limit has increased on 260km of dual carriageway around the country.
The roads, which had a speed limit of 100km/h, are being upgraded to motorway status. It means the speed limit increases to 120km/h.
The roads affected are
N9 = Kilcullen to Powerstown 46km
N8 = Cashel Bypass 6km
N8 = Urlingford to Cashel 29km
N8 = Cashel to Mitchelstown 38km
N8 = Mitchelstown to Fermoy 16km
N7 = Castletown to Nenagh 36km
N7 = Nenagh to Limerick 38km
N6 = Kinnegad to Kilbeggan 28km
N6 = Kilbeggan to Athlone 29km
While journey times for many will be reduced, learner drivers will not now be able to use the roads.
Vehicles incapable of a speed of at least 50km/h, vehicles with an engine capacity of 50cc or less, cyclists and pedestrians are also not permitted on a motorway.
