Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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224. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when road signage will be amended to show the current speed limits on rural roads; the reason this was not done in advance of speed limits changing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5952/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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In advance of the introduction of the 60km/hr default speed limit on rural local roads, local authorities installed approximately 35,000 poles and 65,000 signs nationally. Works were substantially complete by 7 February 2025, the date the new default speed limit took effect. However, the clear-up associated with Storm Éowyn caused some delays for some local authorities. Where there remained any outstanding signage at the commencement date of the new defaults, local authorities were advised to liaise with An Garda Síochána in advance.

My Department launched the ‘Slower Speeds, Safer Roads’ campaign prior to the change to raise awareness of the reduction in the speed limit. Since 27 January, the campaign has run across national and local print, including over 30 local papers, national and local radio, social media, digital display, and digital audio platforms. The campaign will continue until 16 March to further reinforce awareness of the change.

The RSA advertising campaign ‘Rural Speed Limit Sign’ was also deployed to support the communications on the change in default speed limits on rural local roads. Its objective was to raise awareness of the change in meaning of the rural speed limit sign from drive at 80Km/h or lower to drive at 60Km/h or lower. It aired for the month of February across video on demand, radio, digital audio and social media.’

Finally, in the coming weeks the RSA will be launching a new campaign on rural speeds that will air extensively on TV, radio and across social media.