Changes to Dublin 30km limit to be considered

A proposal to amend the 30km speed limit zone in Dublin city centre is to be considered by the Council’s transport committee.

The motion from Labour Party councillors would mean the re-introduction of the 50km limit along most of the quays.

Look at a current map of the 30km limit area

The 30km speed limit was brought by Labour councillors and received cross-party support.

The proposed amendment follows widespread opposition to the new limit including that of Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore.

Labour councillors feel there was a lack of information about the area affected with many people believing it covered the entire city centre.

Councillors are proposing to amend the zone with the section from O’Connell St to Capel St bridges remaining as the only part of the quays at 30km. All other parts of the quays along with Winetavern St and Kildare St would be 50km.

The 30km zone would remain in place bordered by, but not including, Bolton St in the north to most of St Stephen’s Green in the south.

The councillors have also called on legal changes to allow different speed limits at different times of the day.

In his report, Dublin City Council Executive Manager Tim O’Sullivan said the new limit had not caused any traffic congestion and added just one and a half minutes to a 2km journey time.

He also said lower speed limits have been proven to be safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Mr O’Sullivan said a further period of public consultation would be necessary to amend the bye-laws.

The transport committee will hear the amendment motion on Thursday while a motion to scrap the entire limit will come before a full council meeting on 1 March.