Concerns are voiced in Mayo over proposed speed limit reductions
Speed zones of 80kph were reduced to 60kph in February 2025.
Government proposals to introduce 30km per hour speed limits along Irish roads in built-up areas must be carefully examined in relation to Mayo as people may not be willing to adhere to such limits, according to senior council official.
Addressing the April meeting of Mayo County Council, Director of Services David Mellett explained that speed zones of 80kph were reduced to 60kph in February 2025 and phase two of the Governmen's roads programme related to the introduction of 30kph zones in built-up areas, which had to be signed off by March 2027.
"This relates to residential roads and locations where there are vulnerable active road users. Overall, the guidelines are specific, exceptions may be permitted but they need to be credible and take regard of the road and the users. For example, if you are putting in 30km limits where it does not make sense and where it is unlikely motorists will adhere, this creates a danger.
"It is important that the speed limit we introduce is self-regulating and self-enforcing, so that a formal traffic calming is already in place where motorists are driving at close to 30km. This is not just a matter of changing numbers on a sign and picking on a map where these zones will go. The advice is we put in the engineering measures now, then go back and change the speed limits, and then go to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for funding.”
Cllr Michael Loftus said he was worried the 30kph “is too slow and will cause problems as people won’t adhere to it, given we don’t have the garda numbers to enforce traffic measures even outside the urban areas".
Cllr Damien Ryan said the proposals need to be very well thought out, adding: “It will be ridiculous to impose this in some places but a stretch in every town should be 30km. We are looking all the time for the 50kph and 60kph speeds to be enforced, so unless enforcement is part of the plan and An Garda Síochána is prepared to work with us, I don’t see this working.”
Cllr Patsy O’Brien said Garda manpower is critical, adding: “I don’t have a lot of faith in this new 30kph plan. Even the 60kph enforcement does not materialise, I know a case of a HGV going at 106km through one.”
Cllr John O’Hara said anything above 30kph in an estate is too much while Cllr Gerry Coyle said the only way to slow traffic down is with speed ramps.
Mr Mellett added: “I would not be advocating to put in 30km where the normal speed is 50km at the minute. As to schools on rural roads, they are talking about a speed of 50km but that is on a case-by-case basis.”
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
