Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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14. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the speed limits review will be completed; the number of changes that have been made so far as a result of the review and on what roads; the cost of the review so far; if he has considered revising the speed limits on the M50 or N7 Naas dual carriageway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36787/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Speed Limits Review Report was completed and published in November 2013 to reform the speed limit system and ensure that speed limits in Ireland are both safe and sensible. The Report is available on my Department’s website and my Department is now working with the NRA, local authorities, the Gardaí, and the Road Safety Authority to implement its recommendations.

Much background work has since been undertaken in developing new regulations, guidelines and standards with new signage expected to appear on public roads towards the end of this year. In addition, local authorities and the NRA will be asked to carry out a complete inventory and audit of speed limits as well as to carry out a comprehensive update of speed limits throughout the country. The goal is to ensure that the speed limits on any given road are a fair reflection of the road conditions.

As the Review was undertaken by a voluntary committee, any costs arising were minimal. However, costs will arise from the removal and replacement of a number of speed limit signs and it is envisaged that these will be catered for within existing budgets.

Finally, I understand that it is not currently proposed to alter the speed limits on the M50 or N7 Naas dual carriageway as the existing speed limits are considered appropriate for the roads in question.