M50 from the N81 Interchange
A photo of the M50, looking northwards from the M50-N81 interchange.
© South Dublin Libraries.M50 from the N81 Interchange
© South Dublin Libraries.
© South Dublin Libraries.
M50 from the N81 Interchange
A photo of the M50, looking northwards from the M50-N81 interchange.
© South Dublin Libraries.These days, cars are the main form of transport for people in South Dublin. Because of the very large number of cars, major new road improvements have taken place in recent years.
One such road is the M50 motorway. It runs in a C-shaped ring around the north-east, north, west and south of Dublin. The final section was completed in 2005, but increasing traffic has demanded that the M50 be continually improved.
In 2006, work began on widening it from two to three lanes in each direction.
Construction of the Outer Ring Road
Constructing a structure for the Outer Ring Road at Kingswood, Naas Road, Dublin 22.
© South Dublin Libraries.Construction of the Outer Ring Road
© South Dublin Libraries.
© South Dublin Libraries.
Construction of the Outer Ring Road
Constructing a structure for the Outer Ring Road at Kingswood, Naas Road, Dublin 22.
© South Dublin Libraries.Another major road, The Outer Ring Road, is nearing completion.
It will link the Grange Castle and Lucan areas to Tallaght via Clondalkin.
Almost the entire route is a dual carriageway, with the two directions of traffic separated by a central strip of land.
Naas Road near Saggart
View of the Naas Road near Saggart. In recent years, the road has been widened from two to three lanes to accommodate increased traffic volumes.
© South Dublin Libraries.Naas Road near Saggart
© South Dublin Libraries.
© South Dublin Libraries.
Naas Road near Saggart
View of the Naas Road near Saggart. In recent years, the road has been widened from two to three lanes to accommodate increased traffic volumes.
© South Dublin Libraries.The Naas Road, also known as the N7, has been widened from two lanes to three in each direction.
Many junctions have been replaced by interchanges for safety reasons. An interchange allows traffic to move freely without crossing another line of traffic. Interchanges are often built at a different level using ramps.
The N7 route starts on the outskirts of Dublin at the Red Cow Roundabout, which is often termed the 'Mad Cow Roundabout' due to traffic problems around it. It meets the M50 motorway at the same level, which makes it an intersection.
Reducing Traffic
Templeogue Cycle Track
A cyclist using a cycle track in Templeogue. Local authorities build cycle tracks in order to make cycling safer and promote it as a means of transport.
© South Dublin Libraries.Templeogue Cycle Track
© South Dublin Libraries.
© South Dublin Libraries.
Templeogue Cycle Track
A cyclist using a cycle track in Templeogue. Local authorities build cycle tracks in order to make cycling safer and promote it as a means of transport.
© South Dublin Libraries.Fuel emissions from road vehicles pose a danger to the planet and are a major contributor to the current global warming trend. Therefore, the Government is interested in encouraging people away from the use of private cars and in providing viable alternative means of transport.
Possible alternatives to cars are public transport, cycling and walking. A network of bus lanes and cycle paths has been developed to promote these means of transport.At present, buses are the most widespread form of public transport in the county. However, the relevant authorities are continually looking at new schemes to try to solve Dublin's traffic problem and reduce carbon emissions.