Motorists fit to burst over Republic's lack of toilet facilities

MOTORISTS using Ireland's new motorway network can expect to find themselves thirsty or bursting for the lavatory because the government hasn't any money left to build service stations.

The body in charge of roads has begun erecting signs warning drivers not to expect any rest stops along a network that stretches from the Irish Sea to the Atlantic.

Struggling to plug Europe's biggest budget deficit and to kick-start the ailing economy simultaneously, Ireland set aside scarce funds to revamp a road network reminiscent of its past as one of Europe's poorest countries. As money ran out, the National Roads Authority (NRA) had to scrap plans to build service stations in most places. It is now putting up signs warning of no "online" services ahead and pointing motorists towards petrol stations in nearby towns.

"It's as important to let people know what's there as what is not there," said an NRA spokesman. The AA motoring group said it was unacceptable for drivers not to have anywhere stop for the toilet or a coffee for, say, the entire 155-mile journey between Ireland's two biggest cities, Dublin and Cork, even from a purely safety perspective. "It does rather devalue the motorway network," said the AA.