Revealed: The number of motorists caught speeding by new Mayo speed camera

The fixed speed camera, installed late last year on the N17 at Ballinsmaula, Claremorris, as part of a drive to make the road safer, has already captured 1,000 motorists exceeding the 100km/h speed limit, writes John Corless. 

The camera was one of three that entered use nationally in December. The locations selected for camera deployment was based on fatal and serious injury collision data from the last seven years, as well as speed data. Vehicles detected driving over the 100km/h speed limit are subject to prosecution by fixed charge notice. The current fixed charge notice is a fine of €160 and three penalty points.

A total of 174 people were killed on Irish roads in 2024. Dublin (23), Cork (19), Mayo (19) and Donegal (17) were the counties that recorded the highest number of deaths, accounting for 45% of the total fatalities in the calendar year. The section of the N17 near Claremorris saw eight fatalities in 2024, prompting calls for safety measures.

Separately, gardaí have questioned a teenage boy in relation to damage to the new camera, which is believed to have occurred on December 31st last. It is understood that officers are investigating if the boy acted alone.

Irrespective of the damage, the camera is fully functional and drivers exceeding the speed limit at that location on the N17 will be penalised.