Pádraic McCormack
Question:75 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to proceed with the next review of speed limits in towns and villages throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Speed Limits Review.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:76 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to proceed with the extension of speed limit areas to various towns and cities throughout the country.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 76 together.
The built-up area speed limit of 30 mph applies to all roads in built-up areas in county boroughs, urban districts and towns with town commissioners. That speed limit is applied directly through section 45 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. For roads outside of such areas, the speed limit of 55 mph generally applies. However, local speed limit regulations made by the Minister for the Environment can apply the 30 mph limit to roads in areas other than "built up areas", remove that limit from particular roads, or apply special speed limits (40 mph/50 mph) where appropriate. Although these local limits must be prescribed in regulations, the practice is for local authorities, in conjunction with the Garda, to recommend proposals to me and it is the policy to implement these proposals as far as possible.