Urgent: Government Orders 30km/h Speed Limits in Urban Areas

UPDATE: The Irish Government has just announced a significant push to enhance road safety by mandating 30km/h speed limits in many built-up areas across the country. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has directed local councils to review and implement these limits, aiming for completion by March 31, 2027.

This urgent initiative comes as the nation grapples with a troubling rise in road fatalities, with 137 road deaths reported this year—a concerning increase from last year. Minister O’Brien emphasized that lowering speed limits is crucial to achieving the Government’s ambitious goal of reducing road deaths by 50%. “Making this vision a reality means we need to work together to increase protection for all, but particularly vulnerable road users,” he stated.

Statistics reveal that this year, 42 fatalities involved pedestrians and cyclists, underscoring the need for immediate action. The new guidelines will see local authorities implement lower speed limits through “special speed limit bylaws,” which require public consultations. This means changes will only occur where a majority of elected council members agree.

The Government has specified that the 30km/h limit should apply to “roads in the defined ‘urban core’,” particularly where interactions with vulnerable road users are frequent. This includes residential streets, housing estates, and roads adjacent to schools.

As Minister O’Brien pointed out, “The risk of being killed or seriously injured is much greater when a car and a vulnerable road user collide at 50km/h, compared to the same type of collision at 30km/h.” The 30km/h speed limits currently exist in major cities like Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway, but the new directive will expand these measures significantly.

Local councils are now tasked with identifying Urban Speed Limit Zones (USLZ) to ensure road safety is prioritized. This shift is expected to greatly improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

Authorities urge all citizens to stay informed about the upcoming changes and participate in local consultations. The Government’s commitment to road safety and protecting vulnerable road users is clear, and immediate action is required from local councils to implement these critical changes.

With these new regulations on the horizon, communities across Ireland are urged to prepare for a safer driving environment. The time for action is now as the Government works to protect lives and promote safer roads for everyone.