Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

614. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will examine the speed limits in residential estates, schools, places of assembly for example cinemas, theatres, community centres and so on, around the country with a view to reducing the speed limits in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7857/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In the examples cited by the Deputy, local authorities already have the necessary powers to provide for a 30 km/h Special Speed Limit if they deem such a limit to be appropriate and necessary. Special speed limits may also include periodic speed limits which can be designed to apply and operate at specified periods, for example when children are arriving at and leaving a school.  

To assist local authorities in the application of Special Speed limits, my Department is currently finalising an update to the Guidelines on Special Speed Limits and will be available to all local authorities early next month.  

I have also made €2 million available in the current year to assist local authorities with the purchase of signs and, where required, with traffic calming measures where they wish to reduce speed limits in housing areas. I have also committed to providing for a lower special speed limit of 20km/h limit for use in certain residential areas.  This will be done in the Road Traffic Bill 2015. It is appropriate to allow local authorities the freedom to decide where lower speed limits should apply.