55.—(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Part, a road authority may, other than for the development of land and subject to such conditions and restrictions as it thinks fit, permit direct access to or from any land adjoining a motorway or a busway or (where access has been prohibited or restricted in a protected road scheme) a protected road—

(a) by a State authority, statutory undertaker or a local authority to carry out works to which section 53 applies,

(b) by ambulances or fire brigade vehicles,

(c) by vehicles used by members of the Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces or persons employed by local authorities in the performance of their duties as such members or employees,

(d) by any other person or vehicle where by reason of an emergency there is a serious risk to persons or property.

(2) Nothing in this Act shall prevent a road authority from having direct access to or from a motorway, a busway or a protected road for the purpose of maintaining such motorway, busway or protected road.

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