John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 141: To ask the Minister for Transport the speed limit increases that were suggested by him for 43 specific sections of roadway around the country which have been agreed with the relevant local authorities. [26893/04]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the context of an overall review of speed limits carried out against the background of the metrication of such limits generally, county and city managers were asked in January 2003 to examine the position in regard to their areas. The primary focus of the examination was to ensure that the dis-application of default speed limits and the application of special speed limits were supported by by-laws. In addition, the authorities were asked to look at instances where speed limits might not be appropriate and to take any action they deemed to be appropriate.

My Department subsequently wrote to managers in March 2004 repeating the request to examine possible instances of inappropriate speed limits and outline the overall position in regard to the progress for metrication of speed limits. Both the Automobile Association and the Society for the Irish Motor Industry subsequently submitted to the then Minister for Transport lists of more than 70 locations in respect of which they had received representations questioning the speed limits currently in place.

To assist managers in the review referred to, they were advised of the locations identified in the submissions of the two organisations. The Minister did not request or direct in any manner that the speed limits in question be increased or decreased at any of the locations concerned. The relevant managers were requested to examine the locations to see if the speed limits that have been the subject of complaint can either be justified as being appropriate by reference to the prevailing road safety, engineering or traffic considerations and if the local authority considers that the speed limit is not appropriate, that steps should be taken to refer the matter to the elected members for review and appropriate action. The local authorities have in many instances determined that they are content that the speed limits are appropriate. However they have indicated that they are prepared to review the current speed limits at 25 of the locations in question.