asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider increasing the speed limit from 60 to 80 miles per hour on the national primary roads.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Speed Limit.
7.
Evidence available points to the fact that there is a definite link between high speed and accidents. To establish further the relationship between changes in speed limit policies and changes in accident rates, a recent OECD report recommends that a multi-national coordinated operation should be undertaken. Pending the conclusion of this programme I do not intend to raise the current general speed limit. In the meantime, I hope that the growing participation of the Garda in traffic control will influence drivers to keep within the present 60 miles per hour limit.
In view of the fact that our national primary roads have improved so much in the last few years I think 60 miles per hour is much too slow on these roads. The majority of drivers that I meet are very anxious that it should be increased to 80 miles per hour.
Unfortunately the people who want the speed limit increased are usually those who already drive too fast and are a major cause of accidents.
Since there are many people who are not observing the present limit, would it not be logical to increase it to say, 70 mph? If one is driving now at 60 mph, he finds that most of the other road users are passing him out.
I hope the Deputy is not speaking for himself.
In order to synchronise the speed limit here with that in Northern Ireland, would the Minister not consider bringing it up to 70 mph?
No, not until we have the report of the committee that has been set up. It would be foolish on our part to increase the limit to 70 mph simply because that is the position obtaining in the North of Ireland.
It would be the logical thing to do.
It was not considered the logical thing to do three months ago so it is no more logical now.
That is a smartaleck answer.
Is the Minister aware that on the Naas Road, which is a six-lane road, there is a limit of only 40 mph?
It is 50 mph.
It is 40 at the city end.
Perhaps the Deputy was travelling so fast that he was not able to see the signs.
I know that there is a 40 mph limit on that roadway because I brought the President-elect to dinner down that way.
Arising out of this discussion, can the Minister tell us what will win the Derby?
I am sure it would be a little late for me to do so now as I expect the Deputy has already placed his bets.
My son, my son.