The National Roads Authority (NRA) has revealed 12 locations along the motorway network where it will allow the development of service stations.
The move is a significant shift in policy by the authority which angered motorists, hauliers and the Minster for Transport when it voiced opposition to service stations on motorways for safety reasons in its 2004 annual report.
Mr Cullen said the benefits of bypassing smaller towns would be lost if motorists and hauliers were forced back into them for fuel and toilet facilities.
The NRA reviewed its stance and in January of this year, as reported in The Irish Times, the NRA said it had lifted its objection to service stations.
Sean O'Neill, NRA spokesman admitted last night the authority had changed its position. However, he said the policy would not lead to a development "free-for-all" on the edge of motorways. "What we want is controlled development strictly geared to services on the motorway for the travelling public."
As well as the 12 service station locations, the NRA has also identified a further 11 sites along motorways for rest areas, which will have parking and toilets but no retail outlets.
The service areas will allow motorists refuel, eat and rest without leaving the motorway. Under the NRA's plan, service areas will be roughly 60km apart and will be similar in format to European service areas.
The NRA and local authorities will shortly start the process of acquiring sites and seeking planning permission. The land acquisition is expected to be on the basis of compulsory purchase orders.
Expressions of interest from a number of local authorities and developers have been lodged with the NRA. However, other commercial activity on the site of a service station is to be prohibited.
The NRA has only identified an approximate location for stations. The exact site will be determined by land availability and following discussions between the NRA and local authorities.
Designing, building and operating service areas is expected to be contracted out to the private sector, possibly under a public private partnership. However, the NRA has stipulated that ownership of the land will remain with the local authority or the NRA, and will not be sold to developers. Any land acquired for a service station is likely to be leased to the operator.
Mr O'Neill was unable to comment on when the first of the new service stations would be operational. "The time line is difficult to predict but we want to see them as soon as possible."
Under the NRA strategy, motorway service stations must offer food for 16 hours a day and fuel and toilet facilities around the clock. Each site will also provide extensive parking and a Garda enforcement area.
While its good news for motorists and hauliers, it is anticipated that food and fuel traders in bypassed towns will face severe competition once the stations open.
