Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
334. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport the second phase of the proposed speed limit changes, that will see the introduction of a 30km/h speed limit in urban areas, will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6407/26]
View answerFollowing my direction, the Department of Transport issued a Circular to local authorities on 16 October 2025 requesting that they implement built-up and urban area speed limits no later than 31 March 2027, and in accordance with updated ‘Speed Limit Guidelines’.
The proposed speed limit changes in urban areas will be implemented by way of ‘special speed limit bye-laws’. Accordingly, in respect of those roads in urban areas where local authorities propose to change existing speed limits, the local authority will undertake a statutory public consultation process and consider all representations, in accordance with the requirements of the ‘Road Traffic Act 2004’, as amended. As the making of ‘special speed limit bye-laws’ is a reserved function, the speed limits on roads in built-up and urban areas will only be changed where a majority of the elected members vote to do so.
This approach recognises and respects the positive and important role local authorities, and the elected members, fulfil in setting speed limits in urban areas. It will allow local authority engineers, familiar with the roads and the local traffic conditions in their respective administrative areas, to review the existing speed limits, and to recommend changes to these speed limits, if appropriate, and with due regard to the procedures and the criteria set out in the ‘Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland’. Furthermore, the period of statutory public consultation will provide an opportunity for members of the public and all stakeholders to engage with the process and to make representations to the local authorities and the elected members on the proposed speed limit changes.
