Minister confirms when new local speed limits are being introduced

They will be introduced on a 'phased basis'.

Minister James Lawless said that the new speed limits will be introduced on a "phased basis".

Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Minister Lawless said that the "intention is that in November of this year... the 60km/hr default local load limit would be introduced."

He added: "That will be followed in the early new year by the regional road limits and so on."

Minister confirms when new local speed limits are being introduced

The introduction of reduced speed limits was announced last year as Irish road deaths stood at 184, the highest annual figure since 2014.

Road deaths have continued to increase in 2024, with 104 people dying on Irish roads - an increase of 15 on the same time last year.

The plan that will see local road speed limits reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h will also see speed capped at 80km/h on national secondary roads from 100km/h.

Within towns, cities and residential areas there would be a limit of 30km/h, while roads on the fringes of urban areas could be capped at 50km/h.

Jack Chambers, who was Minister for Transport at the time, told RTÉ in September last year that the changes are about “setting a better, safer baseline and then revising limits upwards where it’s safe to do so,” while noting that 75% of fatalities take place on rural roads.

The head of Communications at AA Ireland broadly welcomed the speed limit plans at the time, but noted some concerns about how they will be implemented.

Chief Executive of Irish Rural Link, Seamus Boland also welcomed proposals, but warned that speed limit reductions are “not the only answer”.

“My strong argument is that we need to do an awful lot more,” he said on Today with Claire Byrne.

“There are some roads where the 80, even if it’s 60, is simply inappropriate. It doesn’t really describe the danger of the road ahead, or in some cases it makes it look ridiculous.”