Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 April 2026
667. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport whether any assessment has been carried out on the effectiveness of average speed cameras in reducing collisions and fatalities; and if so, the findings. [24349/26]
View answerEnforcement of road traffic offences, such as speeding, is the primary responsibility of An Garda Síochána. This includes enforcement of speeding laws through the use of cameras. There are currently 5 average speed cameras in operation across the road network. These are located in the following locations -
- Dublin Port Tunnel
- M7
- N3 Cavan
- N5 Mayo
- N2 Meath
The Programme for Government commits to further expansion of safety cameras across the road network to encourage safer driving. The increased deployment of safety cameras in the coming years is a key action to be delivered under Action 6 of the Phase 2 Action Plan, as part of the all-of-Government Road Safety Strategy.
A National Safety Camera Strategy has been developed. This Strategy will provide the framework for increased deployment of cameras across the network, in both urban and rural locations, to assist with the enforcement of a wide range of road traffic offences. The Strategy will focus on speeding, red light running, and bus lane infringements, with flexibility for the enforcement of other types of offence in future. I expect to publish this Strategy in April and my Department is continuing to work closely with all road safety stakeholders including the NTA, TII, RSA and An Garda Síochána on how best to implement the Strategy.
I am informed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland that it has conducted some initial research into speed cameras, which concluded that speed cameras are proven to have a deterrent effect. As outlined in its publication 'Safety Cameras on National Road Network' international research indicates that both average and fixed safety cameras can be expected to lead to a significant reduction in the overall number of crashes, fatalities and serious injury collisions. Furthermore, TII indicate that a change in driver behaviour is visible beyond the speed camera sites, showing that cameras are proven to be an effective measure for behaviour change.
Given the TII role and expertise in this area I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
