Monday marked the introduction of new speed limit byelaws across Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, with the implementation of a 30km/h speed limit in the majority of residential areas, as well as town and village centres.
The new bylaws will see most local and housing estate roads limited to 30km/h, while main roads will remain at 50km/h. Busy town and village centres will also have a reduced speed limit of 30km/h, with new signage appearing throughout the county in the coming weeks.
Councillor Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said “he new speed limits will make Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown a safer, quieter, and cleaner place, allowing residents to enjoy their neighbourhoods more and creating more pleasant town and village centres. Recent research on the impact of 30km/h speed limits in European cities has shown significant benefits, including a reduction in road crashes, fatalities, injuries, emissions, noise pollution, and fuel consumption.”
Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said “the implementation of these new speed limits follows a comprehensive process that involved consultation with various stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and neighbouring Local Authorities. We would like to especially thank our elected representatives who collaborated with us and adopted the new byelaws earlier this year.”
Benefits of the new speed limits include reduced vehicular speeds, a decrease in the severity and number of road traffic collisions, safer and more appealing conditions for cycling and walking, less traffic noise, improved liveability of residential areas, and the enhancement of urban towns and villages.