50KMH Speed Limit In Clare Residential Areas Branded As ‘Ridiculous’ By Councillors

Photo (c) Road Safety Ireland

50 kilometre speed limits in residential areas of Clare is being branded as ‘ridiculous’ by local representatives.

It comes as councillors here are calling for a speed review for roads in this county to be brought forward urgently.

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This week’s monthly meeting of Clare County Council provoked a lengthy discussion from local representatives on speed limits here – though the next review on them as it stands isn’t due to take place until 2023.

A number of Councillors voiced concerns that a review is needed sooner due to the increase in the number of people out walking and cycling since the onset of the pandemic.

Among the calls were for speed limits to be reduced below 50 kilometres per hour outside of schools – though some roads in the county near educational facilities permit speeds even higher than that.

Cratloe-based Fianna Fail Councillor Pat O’ Gorman believes when a review is conducted, the local authority should examine speed limits in a different way.

Clare County Council say traffic calming measures are assessed by the Department of Transport on a case by case basis for funding.

The local authority says particular locations are highlighted annually be each municipal district – but one representative believes a blanket reduction in speed limits in residential areas is needed urgently.

Ennis-based Fine Gael Councillor Johnny Flynn is expressing his frustration at the current situation – and believes a 30 kilometre limit is now required across Clare estate and outside of schools.