Stroke of a pen sees 3 new motorways

THREE new motorways will be opened in Limerick next month without a sod being dug.

It has all been achieved with the stroke of a ministerial pen, it has emerged.

Using powers under the Roads Act 2007, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has redesignated stretches of national primary roads and dual carriageways. From August 28, they will be officially motorways. The new status of these roads will mean the speed limit will rise from 100 to 120km/h.