It is a matter for the National Roads Authority to ensure that motorways and dual carriageways are equipped with appropriate containment barriers having regard to the provisions of the NRA's design manual for roads and bridges.
I am aware that the NRA, as a matter of practice, keeps road design standards, including safety aspects, under regular review. In this context and as part of a recent review, I understand the NRA has decided to provide median crash barriers where the width of the central median on motorways and dual carriageways is 15 metres or less. The approach being adopted will involve the use of high containment barriers where the width of the central median is 7.5 metres or less.
I understand the NRA has also decided to initiate a programme for the retrofit of barriers in medians falling into these categories in the case of existing national roads. The total 2003 provision for national roads improvement and maintenance is over €1.2 billion – a 20% increase on the original estimate for 2002.