asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that there is a general local demand for the restoration of the speed limit at Ballybrittas, County Laois; and whether he will take steps to have this speed limit restored.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballybrittas (Laois) Speed Limit.
13.
I have received representations in regard to the imposition of a speed limit in Ballybrittas. The desirability of applying such a speed limit will be considered during the general review of speed limits which is being carried out at present.
The Minister is, of course, aware that there was a speed limit in Ballybrittas and it was altered. Was the altering or removal of the speed limit part of a general review at the time?
It was part of the general review in relation to what we regard as arterial roads, this being one of them, and, as a result of that being done at the time, the original speed limit applied in 1964-65 was removed in 1966. Since then, we have had representations to the effect that the speed limit should be put back, either in its original form and extent or in some degree. We have not examined that suggestion in any detail because it will come up with the overall general review applying to all roads.
I am told— the Minister probably has this information—that the local Garda and others are very concerned that this particular crossings has been the scene of a great number of accidents since the removal of the speed limit.
No. The information I have is that the accident rate in the year before the introduction and the three years since shows no great variation. That is not to say now that we have made a decision or that we may not re-impose a speed limit.
Does the Minister think it advisable to have a speed limit in a place like Ballybrittas?
This is a particular place.
(Interruptions.)
This is probably one of the things that caused its removal.