Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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223. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reduce the speed limit in housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7627/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The legislative basis for speed limits in this jurisdiction is in the Road Traffic Act 2004.  This Act sets out a number of default speed limits for certain classes of roads, and permits local authorities to apply special speed limits in particular circumstances.

The default speed limit for built-up areas is 50 km/h. However, local authorities have the option of applying a 30 km/h - the lowest special speed limit under the current legislation - where they feel it is appropriate. I have been active in encouraging local authorities to adopt this 30 km/h limit where possible. Earlier this month, I made an addition €2 million available in funding to this end.

The House this week debated a Private Members Bill to amend the legislation on speed limits, proposed by Sinn Féin Deputies. That Bill proposed a 20 km/h speed limit for residential roads, and a new 20 km/h special speed limit.  As I indicated in the debate on that Bill, I can agree in principle to a 20 km/h limit, but am concerned about the practical implications of making it obligatory.

Further work on the practicalities  and implications of such a change is, I believe, also necessary, in order to be sure that we get the legislation right.

Work is now underway on the drafting of a Road Traffic Bill 2015, the General Scheme of which was approved by the Government last week.  I intend to examine the issue of speed limits in residential areas with a view to including proposals in that Bill.