Minister to introduce legislation on roadworks

Public Enterprise Minister Mary O'Rourke is set to bring new legislation before the Dail to limit the activities of utility companies that dig up the streets of the capital to lay cables and pipes.

Under existing legislation, utility companies have the right to open a road, subject to notifying Dublin Corporation. This has resulted in utility companies opening roads at will causing major traffic congestion.

The new legislation will insist utility companies get the consent of road authorities before disrupting traffic. The new legislation will be set out to ensure clarity, fairness and consistency, according to the Minister.