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Limerick City and County Council to Implement New 30KM/H Speed Limit for City Centre

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A 30km per hour speed limit is to be introduced in Limerick City from Friday, February 16, 2024

30km per hour speed limit to be introduced in Limerick City to help create a “safer, healthier, and more liveable urban environment”

The 30km/h zone will be identified by 30km/h speed limit signs with supplementary “Go Mall” or “Slow” signage.

Limerick City and County Council has announced the implementation of a 30-kilometre-per-hour speed limit across the city which will come into effect from Friday, February 16, 2024.

Limerick City Centre and its surrounds is currently undergoing a transformation away from being a car-centric city with projects ongoing to create a modern city capable of sustaining a multi-modal transportation system

LCCC made the announcement in a bid to create a “safer, healthier, and more liveable urban environment”, and the local authority says reducing vehicle speed limits in built-up areas offers several key benefits.


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A reduced speed limit enhances pedestrian safety by providing more reaction time for both drivers and pedestrians, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. The Road Safety Authority outline that 5 in 10 pedestrians hit by a car travelling at 50km/h will die. That fatality rate reduces to 1 in 10 pedestrians when hit by a car travelling at 30km/h.

Lower speed limits also contribute to a quieter and less stressful urban environment, fostering a more pleasant atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

Decreased speeds can lead to lower emissions, supporting environmental sustainability.

The new bye-laws are being implemented in consultation with Gardai and were approved by Limerick City and County Council at the Full Council Meeting held on Monday, 25 September 2023.

The 30km/h zone will be identified by 30km/h speed limit signs with supplementary “Go Mall” or “Slow” signage.

The introduction of a 30km/h city centre supports a number of ongoing aims and projects including the O’Connell Street revitalisation project and city centre junction improvement works. Limerick’s transportation-led Development Plan aims to create a compact 10-minute walkable city centre.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell said the new speed limit will benefit everyone, saying, “By adopting a lower speed limit in the city, Limerick City and County Council is promoting a safer, healthier, and more liveable urban environment. I urge motorists to abide by the new limit. Simply stated; slowing down saves lives!”

Director of Service, Transportation and Mobility at Limerick City and County Council, Brian Kennedy said, “Speed is giving way to safety with the introduction of the 30km/h zones. It paves the way for a city that is more accessible to everyone, safeguarding vulnerable road users. This initiative also aligns with a shift towards a modern, more pedestrian friendly city centre as evidenced in a number of road and public realm improvement schemes undertaken by Limerick City and County Council.”

Read more about the Transportation Strategy
Read more stories about transport.

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