Mr. Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, today (29 January 2004) announced details of funding totalling €5 million in 2004 for the continuation of the Regional Road Signposting Programme.

The Minister said, "I am delighted to be in a position to announce the continuation of this Programme in 2004."

The inadequacies in road signposting have long been the source of complaint, particularly from tourists. In order to address this difficulty, the Government made a commitment and put in place a 5 year plan to ensure that non-national roads are properly signposted.

This plan commenced in 2003 when Regional Road Signposting grants were first made available to nine County Councils. Pat the Cope said, "This year, a total of twelve County Councils will benefit from the €5 million available under the 2004 Regional Roads Signposting Programme. I am confident that the benefits of this funding will soon be evident for all to see."

This initiative, is according to the Minister, "very significant". It is very much needed and will be of particular benefit to our tourism industry. Tourism is very important to Ireland. If we want to market ourselves successfully, basics like proper signposting should be in place. The grants I am providing today will enable County Councils to continue the excellent work commenced in 2003 in the provision of a comprehensive signage programme."