Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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261. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures being taken to address the enforcement of speed limits in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42512/24]

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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262. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an update on any correspondence with Dublin City Council regarding the enforcement of speed limits in the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42513/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.

Following an extensive public consultation process, the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study Report was published, post consultation, in 2021.

This report included a number of key recommendations including that commuter traffic be reduced, that cycling and pedestrian infrastructure be increased and that opportunities for the provision of public transport be fully explored.

The introduction of a one-way system on the North Road and the provision of a cul-de-sac on the Upper Glen Road were also priorities. The report also recommended that a Parking Strategy be developed and the Park byelaws be reviewed. In relation to speed limits the report recommended the reduction of the speed limit in the Park from 50 kilometres per hour to 30 kilometres per hour.

The lower speed limit was introduced for public safety. Studies have shown that a reduction in the speed limit to 30 kilometres per hour reduces the risk of fatalities. The 30 kilometres per hour speed limit has been adopted in many other urban areas across Europe including cities in, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden, not only for safety reasons, but to reduce noise, air pollution and CO2 emissions. Dublin City Council also implemented a 30 kilometres per hour speed limit for large parts of the city in 2020, including in the areas immediately outside the Park Gate Street entrance to the Phoenix Park.

Dublin City Council is not involved in the enforcement or management of the speed limits within the Phoenix Park. An Garda Síochána continues to work with the OPW in relation to all aspects of the management and operation of the Phoenix Park.

It is important to note that under Section 5(k) of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, dangerous driving (including speed) in any place, not just public, is an offence and, on conviction, a person is liable to a class A fine and/or a term of imprisonment for up to 6 months. If a person is convicted of dangerous driving causing death or serious bodily harm, they can be fined up to €20,000 and imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both.