Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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61. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there will be a consultation period or if members of the public and local representatives will have any input into the changing of speed limits on local roads as part of the changes in speed limits on national roads (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46927/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As part of Action 6 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, a review was undertaken to examine the framework for setting of speed limits in Ireland, including specific consideration of the introduction of a 30km/h default speed limit in urban areas.

The work was overseen by a Review Group co-chaired by the Department of Transport and Road Safety Authority. As part of the group's work, it carried out an assessment of the existing framework of speed limits, including the current guidance document for the ‘Setting and Managing of Speed Limits in Ireland’. The group also looked at best practice internationally as well as carrying out a modelling analysis of potential options.

This final review was published in September and work is now underway to develop new legislation and guidelines. It is expected that updated guidelines and legislation to give effect to the main recommendations made by the review will be in place in Q1 2024.

During the review itself, the group built upon the consultation undertaken as part of the development of the Road Safety Strategy and with a range of stakeholders on the specific issue of safer speed limits. Consultees ranged from state bodies involved in the management of the road network to road user groups representing various modes of travel. Further consultations are anticipated as the new Guidelines are developed and implementation progresses.

The Road Traffic Act of 2004, as amended, sets out the current legislative basis for the setting of speed limits. The Act applies ‘default’ speed limits to different classes or categories of road and allows for local authorities to intervene and set ‘special speed limits’, within limitations, on roads in their area. The making of bye-laws to set 'Special Speed Limits' is a reserved function of the elected members of a local authority. As such, a strong role for local representatives will be retained as safer default speed limits are implemented.