One of the worst traffic bottlenecks in the country will become a thing of the past later today when Martin Cullen performs his first public function as Minister for Transport, officially opening the new Cashel by-pass in Co Tipperary.

A 55-year-old man is dead following a road accident in Co Kilkenny.

THE 1.28 billion — over 100 million each month — that will be will be poured into the construction of motorways and dual carriageways next year is desperately needed, the Automobile Association declared last night.

The man accused of raping a woman after she relieved herself in a laneway in a Cork town has denied the charge in evidence to the jury at the Central Criminal Court.