A business plan spelling out the need for improvements to the A40 is a step closer to reality following a fact-finding mission to Ireland undertaken by West Carmarthen AM Angela Burns.

She travelled to Ireland last week with Conservative colleague Paul Davies, Preseli Pembrokeshire's AM, to meet transport bosses, politicians and planners to discuss the future of our road network.

"We had a very busy four days of meetings and have brought back some very useful information," said Mrs Burns who is also shadow Welsh transport minister.

"We learned how infrastructure improvements in Ireland helped launch the Celtic Tiger economy and we also heard about mistakes that we can learn from.

"We want to take the best practice from their success and apply it in Pembrokeshire," she added.

The Pembrokeshire AMs met Noel Dempsey, the Irish Transport Minister, the head of the National Road Authority, The Irish Road Hauliers Association and a host of other companies and authorities.

"We have been told by Ieuan Wyn Jones that we have to prove the business case for dualling the A40 and our trip has given us a lot of vital statistics and evidence," said Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Mr Davies.

"It's a real blow that the Welsh Assembly Government has decided to make the Robeston Wathen by-pass a three-lane highway instead of a dual carriageway, but we shall continue to press for real improvements to this major artery that will see it fit for purpose for decades to come, not just the next few years."