Today’s introduction of reduced speed limits on rural roads, while welcome, will be less effective without increased Garda visibility and enforcement, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s transport spokesperson, said:
“Given the unacceptable rate of tragedies on our roads, I am fully supportive of the strategy to reduce the speed limit from 80km/h to 60 km/h in rural areas.
“The figures for deaths on rural roads are truly shocking. Between 2020 and 2024, almost three in four road fatalities – and almost 50 per cent of all serious injuries – occurred on rural roads with a speed limit of 80km/h.
“Large swathes of my own Wicklow constituency are rural so I welcome this initiative.
“However, along with the reduction in speed limits, we need to see an increased Garda presence on rural roads, matched with proper enforcement.
“The Garda Road Policing Unit must be fully resourced if these new measures are to make a real difference in reducing the ongoing carnage on our roads.
“In addition, today’s initiative must be promoted through a high-profile public information campaign so that motorists are fully aware of the new speed limit reductions on rural roads.”
February 7, 2025