Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I heard what Deputy Timmins stated and new infrastructure and technology sometimes have teething problems. It does not take from the fact that they are well worthwhile and we will get there. I heard what Deputy O'Dowd stated about the inconsistency of speed limits on various roads. That needs to be put right and is being done, but there can be differences where sections of roads are built. In urban areas, local authorities currently have power to introduce lower speed limits than those mentioned by the Deputy. When I was a member of a local authority, we often talked about the need to have lower speed levels than the standard ones. That power now exists, but I suppose it depends on where a school is located. One may not be able to do it if a school is on a main road. However, the power to introduce lower speed limits is now available for local authorities to pursue.

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