The first purpose-built defibrillator unit for a motorway has been installed at a service station on the M4 in Enfield, Co Meath.
The solar-powered cabinets hold specific emergency items for the National Road Network such as fire extinguishers, trauma kits and windscreen breakers, defibrillators and cardiac medication.
The initiative was supported by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State, Seán Canney welcomed the installation of the cabinet at the Applegreen service station, where immediate access to emergency services or medical facilities may be limited.
The life-saving equipment was manufactured in Co Mayo by Eco Powered Cabinets.
CEO Darren Forde said the motorway unit was the first of its kind in the country.
"These cabinets are being implemented to improve emergency response times and safety in locations with limited infrastructure," he said.
"They are solar-powered and utilise a temperature-controlled system to ensure the proper storage and preservation of the contents"
The award-winning company has gone on to achieve widespread recognition at home and abroad.
Over a dozen of the Irish-made units were installed at the start of this year in rural northwest Australia
"We are delighted to continue manufacturing these units in Ireland and to see them recognised as far afield as Australia," said Mr Forde.
"We are getting a lot of interest now from home and abroad. It's great to see our local Mayo company setting the benchmark for equipment that combines innovative technology with sustainable energy."
The company produced and installed the first three of these units on Croagh Patrick in 2022.
There have been a number of fatal cardiac arrests on the holy mountain in the past decade and the defibrillator units have been key in saving the lives of several pilgrims and climbers since they were installed.
