Mr. Michael Nolan:

In the early days of 2005 when we were opening up significant sections of the major inter-urban motorways we had envisaged that the private sector would step in and fill the space by providing adequate service areas. Unfortunately, it did not step in. We took the initiative, with direction from the Minister. The legislation was changed to allow us provide service areas. We stepped in and provided the service areas at two locations on the M1, Lusk and Castlebellingham, as well as on the M4 at Enfield. After that, the private sector began to see there was a business opportunity and began to deliver service areas, some of poor quality, some of good quality, such as the one at junction 14. There are others along the network that almost meet our standard.

The Government's road safety strategy also has a target for TII to develop several of these online service areas.