Local Authorities Directed To Reassess Speed Limits Under New Road Safety Push

Thursday, 16 October 2025 17:10

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

Kildare County Council recently proposed new byelaws to introduce a 30 kilometre per hour speed limit in housing estates taken in charge by the Council.

The Government’s directing all local authorities to take another look at speed limits in their areas.

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien is asking councils to roll out 30 kilometre zones in built-up and urban areas by the end of March 2027.

Right now, most towns and cities have a 50 kilometre limit in place.

But Donna Price from the Irish Road Victims Association says that’s not enough, and more action is needed to make roads safer.

Kildare County Council recently proposed new byelaws to introduce a 30 kilometre per hour speed limit in housing estates taken in charge by the Council.

The move is part of Jake’s Law, which aims to make residential areas safer.

The draft byelaws cover all five Municipal Districts – Clane–Maynooth, Celbridge–Leixlip, Kildare–Newbridge, Naas and Athy – and will be on public display until the 4th of November.

Members of the public can view the plans and make submissions online at consult.kildarecoco.ie.

Meanwhile, a petition has been created by the Maddenstown community to fix traffic signage and reduce speeding in their area.

The community, situated near Kildare Town, say there are frequent issues regarding the speed of vehicles, specifically along the road to Maddenstown North.

Created by resident Patrick Donnelly, the petition calls for the speed limit to be changed from 50km/h down to 30km/h, as the area is home to senior citizens and children who are at a higher risk to speeding vehicles.

The petition also calls for the signage to be changed to reflect this.