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The AA thinks they're 'ridiculous', but Dublin City Council stands firm on 30km speed limits

Dublin City Council plans to expand the 30km/hr speed limit across further areas of the city.

SPEED LIMITS LABELLED as “ridiculous” by AA Ireland are not set to be changed by Dublin City Council, despite a “specific instruction” from the Department of Transport to consider proposed changes.

In fact, Dublin City Council is recommending the rolling out of a 30km/hr limit in all residential areas between the Royal and Grand Canals, while maintaining the same speed limit on the quays in the city.

A public consultation on the issue of speed limits was launched by Dublin City Council in July.

The council received 550 submissions. Of these, 100 supported the expansion of 30km/hr speed limits.

The same number said reducing speed limits on its own is not sufficient, while 83 expressed concern that current city speed limits are largely ignored and enforcement needs to be improved.

In the case of the submission from the AA, however, Dublin City Council was given a specific instruction by the Department of Transport to consider these proposals.

The Department wrote that it was “requesting that arrangements are made in your local authority to ensure that due regard is given to roads, or sections of road, on this list.”

TheJournal.ie has contacted the Department of Transport for comment.

The AA proposed increases to the speed limit in the city centre and the quays, and in locations such as Fairview Strand and Cork Street.

Their rationale for increasing the speed limit on the north and south quays from 30km/hr to 60km/hr was that the current limit was “ridiculous for a city centre commuter route” and that it added to traffic congestion.

Dublin City Council engineers recommended that the current speed limits be retained and that the “introduction of a 60km/hr speed limit in the city centre should not be considered further at this time.”

While pointing out that the proposals do not suggest “a blanket 30km/hr speed limit”, plans to introduce the limit would apply to “predominantly residential streets”, according to the council.

They highlight that one of the main reasons for the change is to make “residential streets and areas around schools safer”.

An additional Dublin City Council report adds that arterial routes into the city will retain speed limits of between 50km/hr and 80km/hr.

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council told TheJournal.ie that the final decision on speed limit changes would be made at a full council meeting on Monday 5 December.

Read: Should there be a 30km per hour speed limit in more residential areas?

Read: Victory for Jake Brennan’s family as council backs 20km speed limit

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79 Comments
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    Mute Bingobango
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:34 PM

    That Keegan lad in the DCC is an absolute megalomaniac. There has been widespread criticism of these proposed limits because they are not realistic. It’s nearly impossible to drive a car at 30kph without comprising your awareness for everything else around you. All your time will be spent crawling along, watching your speedo and changing gears instead of paying attention to the road. In a world of their own up there in DCC Headquarters.

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    Mute Gerard Heery
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:07 PM

    Won’t be going to Dublin shopping now ,it will be like shooting fish in a barrel with penalty points dished out like confetti even my 1litre kia is reved out at 30 kph law made by those who don’t have to be effected by them

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    Mute Paul Somers
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:33 PM

    @Gerard Heery: Time for Tuk Tuk’s to come to Ireland, even they can go above 30kmph. Genuine Indian Tuk Tuk For Sale in the UK – 4 Stroke Petrol | 198cc – 4 Forward & Reverse Gear €5k

    32
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    Mute brian magee
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:36 PM

    I don’t think your Kia is an automatic, try changing gears

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    Mute Ben McArthur
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:57 PM

    @Gerard Heery: I suppose just keeping your speed under 30kmh is out of the question?

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    Mute NO 2 FF/FG/LAB
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 2:04 PM

    Gérard if you ever got above 30km in the city centre than fair play to you but I rarely have. It’s traffic gridlock 24/7 in dublin and it’s only getting worse. Speed l limit could be 100 but with the traffic it won’t matter

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    Mute Gerard Heery
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 4:43 PM

    I’m on it presume tax and insurance will be thro the floor happy 10mph in the rat race this is land has become,if some bussiness doesn’t make money make a silly law until it does,

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    Mute winston smith
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:16 PM

    30km/h is so slow it impedes the natural flow of traffic causing concentration consequences which result in other accidents. If everyone used the many traffic crossings and jay walking was made an offence this would be far more effective. The present points system is already so crude of an instrument that it has lost public support and this measure will turn it into a water charge type enforcement effort.

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    Mute Jengis O'Can
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 8:27 PM

    @winston smith: I agree. 30kms/hr is too slow, difficult to drive a car at that speed in normal traffic flow, having to use lower gears, increasing engine revs and petrol/diesel consumption and thereby costing motorist higher fuel bills… leading to increased importation of fuel while our Govt tries to limit Imports…
    Jaze, just how stoopid are these speed limit decision-makers?? Things need to be kept in proper perspective. I fully support the AA’s stance.
    Jaywalking is already an offence but I’ve never seen it policed, or heard of anyone prosecuted for it.

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    Mute Angry Gaming
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:32 PM

    People need to question who is related to who in the CC and road sign business . If you actually think they give 2 F’s about a few people dying then I give up on humanity.

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    Mute Mike Igoe
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 7:06 PM

    @Angry Gaming: The vast majority of councillors the length and breadth of this country only seek public office to enrich their lobbyist relatives in the lucrative “road sign business”. How dumb that the masses and I myself can’t see through this not at all needlessly complicated charade! I also believe most councillors would probably prefer not to see “a few people dying”, given the choice. Please don’t give up on humanity and become cyncial on account of my sheepitude – this comment section would be a bleak place indeed without your hitherto unbridled optimism on all matters.

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    Mute Jimmyjoe Wallace
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 12:59 PM

    Cities are for people, not just a thoroughfare for cars. Cars should be bottom on the list of priorities for city planners.

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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:07 PM

    @Jimmyjoe Wallace:

    And there should be no crime, it should be a beautifully inclusive area for shoppers, families and workers alike and there should be a wonderful pollution free safe an clean public transport system. You have to play with the cards you are dealt and fix the problems that are fixable

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    Mute OnTheOutside
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 3:03 PM

    @Jimmyjoe Wallace: ‘Cars should be bottom on the list of priorities for city planners.’ Welcome to Dublin Jimmyjoe Wallace !

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    Mute Gus Dennis
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 3:17 PM

    BOLLOCKS

    12
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    Mute NO 2 FF/FG/LAB
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 12:57 PM

    Ban all cars from the city centre period

    60
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    Mute NO 2 FF/FG/LAB
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 2:05 PM

    No everyone’s cool. Just ban the combustion engines lowering dublin air quality and damaging our planet

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    Mute Fred Coloe
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 3:13 PM

    Do that then remember to tell the last person leaving to turn off the lights! A dumb and ignorant idea. DCC are destroying Dublin through mind bending incompetence.

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    Mute techman
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    Nov 24th 2016, 12:53 AM

    And. Bikes?

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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 12:59 PM

    Surely it would make some sense to make a decision based on the impact of speed and the safety of people in the city centre. There is no point in saying the speed limit is ridiculous without justification and equally there is no point in lowering the speed limit if it is not going to yield any material benefits i.e. fewer accidents and or injuries. These people should stop expressing opinions and deal with facts!

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    Mute Jimmyjoe Wallace
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:02 PM

    The lower the speed of a car when it hits a person, the lower the chances of serious injury.

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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:04 PM

    @Jimmyjoe Wallace:

    What point are you making? Should the speed limit be 1 kph or do you subscribe with the idea of banning all cars? What is the exact difference in injury level between 30kph and 40 kph? As per my point, there is no point in having an opinion based debate, it should be based on facts that are relevant to the topic

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    Mute Martin Critten
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:08 PM

    But proper statistical analysis is required. 2 billion journeys minimum made in Ireland each year + 125 fatalities, 220 major incidents, 4,500 minor tips (approx) These figures are infinitesimally small they don’t really compute – so you cant regulate against this level of ‘chance’ I should know I lost my father in a road accident, and wondered why – accidents happen. This is just some liberal desk jockey trying to nanny everyone.

    68
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    Mute Jimmyjoe Wallace
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:38 PM

    Study’s have shown impact at under 30 kph are less likely to cause severe injury than impacts above this speed. I’m on my phone and don’t have links but I can post them later.

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    Mute Nick Allen
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:53 PM

    Jimmy Joe

    That’s the sort of data that the decisions should be made on

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    Mute Martin Critten
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 7:01 PM

    But the risk is so chronically infinitesimal, in comparison to the spend.. But it keep everyone in fear mode.

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    Mute MackPilon
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:42 PM

    what make of car can drive at 30 kph in top gear ? The optimal speed for most cars is 55-60 mph and the extra pollution from crawling is being ignored. Having said that speed has to be curtailed in residential areas where kids are likely to dart out onto the road but I can’t see that allowing kids to play on Cork street is an ideal situation. I was taught to watch under parked cars for signs of little feet ready to dash out , hard to explain but try looking about 4-5 parked cars in front of you as you drive through housing estates and if a ball bounces out anywhere at any time slam on ! Driving to suit road conditions is the only way to keep everyone safe no matter what those conditions are. Another thing, never overtake a stationary school bus ,when it stops do the same

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    Mute Revolting Peasant
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 2:49 PM

    @MackPilon:

    Good tips but also include looking through the windows, using the mirrors, reflections and shadows of parked cars to spot anything unusual or non-uniform that may indicate a hazard.

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    Mute Derek Walsh
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 3:25 PM

    Don’t drive in top gear. That’s why cars have more than one gear. Pick the one that’s right for the speed you’re going.

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    Mute MackPilon
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 3:52 PM

    @Derek Walsh: Dear God , I know that there’s always one…but why ?

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 3:09 PM

    Its time for the government to get a grip of where public transport is going in this country, already we see an over congested Dublin causing gridlock in central and suburban areas. Time to think about shifting Busarus out of the city centre to Blanchardstown and introduce a rapid rail system into the city centre. It is ridiculous to have to spend an hour on a bus at present just to get out of the city centre.

    32
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    Mute Living The Laws
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:35 PM

    it is clearly a stepping stone to prioritising cyclists in and around the city. and compensating for public transport inadequacies. it might even be a stupid approach to trying to get people on to public transport. typical irish, trying to be smart where its not required.

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    Mute Greg Blake
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:37 PM

    Ah, I think he was having a Field of Dreams moment, build it and they’ll come.

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    Mute Martin J Smith
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:49 PM

    If there was enforcement of rules on cyclists and pedestrians, the incidents of crashes and accidents would be drastically reduced. It is very rare that a vehicle will mount a footpath to hit a pedestrian, so if the pedestrian stays on the path and only crosses at designated crossing points, there should be no problem. Cyclists should be encouraged by fines and more to observe and obey the rules of the road, road signs and lights. Again if there was compliance, the safety issues would be drastically reduced Motorists should be consious of other road users and ensure that they are not encroaching on cycle lanes etc. There is absolutely no requirement for lowering the speed limits, but a huge requirement for placing the responsibility of adherence to the rules on those who have a complete disregard for them, IMO cyclists & pedestrians.

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    Mute Kal Ipers
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 3:26 PM

    Martin> Every statistic on accidents shows it is motor drivers injuring and killing people. Enforcement is the key thing and speeding is a major issue which most motorists freely admit they do and the ones that don’t are lying. Every car parked on the path is breaking the law and it is never enforced and the same goes for driving and parking in cycle lanes.

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    Mute Martin J Smith
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 8:29 PM

    In the main this is NOT an issue of speeding motorists, it is an issue of cyclists and pedestrians not observing the rules while putting themselves in dangerous situations. Sure, if there is an accident the motorist will be the one uninjured, but not usually the one at fault. People should accept their responsibility and not always blame others when they themselves are at fault.

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    Mute John Reese
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 2:57 PM

    Only in Ireland. Ridiculous speed limit

    21
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    Mute Mick Mccomiskey
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 1:26 PM

    I think its irresponsible of the AA to suggest increasing the speed limit on the quay  to 60km. That would be outright dangerous.

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    Mute OnTheOutside
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 2:28 PM

    @Mick Mccomiskey: 60 is too high in places along the quays at certain times of the day. 40 is more suitable than 30.

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    Mute techman
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    Nov 24th 2016, 12:14 AM

    Everyone driving down the quays do 60km (36 mph) if the 30 km speed limit were enforced there would be a traffic jam at 3 am in the morning

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    Mute techman
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 2:04 PM

    Madness.think of the chaos if people complied with a 30 kn speed limit as far as crumbling. Also think about the pollution if everyone was driving around in second gear. And the wasted fuel. Point is it is not a realistic proposition so everyone will be criminalised.

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    Mute NO 2 FF/FG/LAB
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 2:06 PM

    Every driven in town? I do regularly & rarely do I get above 30. It’s traffic gridlock in the centre and it’s been like this for years

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    Mute Stuart Clarke
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 7:24 PM

    It took me 1 hour 15 minutes to drive 13km into the city centre this evening. 30km/hr would have been a dream.

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    Mute techman
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    Nov 24th 2016, 12:08 AM

    But these guys want to extend that gridlock as far as Tallaght

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    Mute Tim Brennan
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 6:53 PM

    As usual the lunatics are in charge of the asylum

    12
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    Mute Upowthat Burke
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 2:05 PM

    Speeding fines to pay for corrupt garda were increases…………diesal

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    Mute OnTheOutside
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 2:26 PM

    What should be installed in these locations is computer controlled signs that display the speed and can be adjusted accordingly remotely to the time of day/weather/congestion from traffic or pedestrians. And while I am at it, they should be on the M50 as well as most motorways.

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    Mute John Flood
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 4:33 PM

    The AA is an overpriced insurance company that thinks they speak for all drivers (and cyclists). Pfft!

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    Mute Kath Noonan
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 7:48 PM

    Ridiculous speed limit. All speed limits should only apply from 6am to 9pm. There should be different speed limits for night time, when areas are quieter.

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    Mute Jengis O'Can
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 8:46 PM

    There was a famous story told about Gardaí standing on the pavement along the Finglas Rd where a 50kms speed limit was in effect, frantically waving traffic to speed up beyond 50kms/hr because the outflow traffic was limited to 50kms/hr causing a back jam all the way back in the city centre.
    That was an example of Garda traffic controllers using common sense to keep traffic flowing instead of log jammed traffic slowed down by ridiculous speed limits on a road suitable for a higher speed limit.
    The same sensible approach needs to be adopted.
    I do believe in introducing slower speed limits around schools and hospitals during certain hours. I’ve seen that work very well and safely in Sydney, where 20kms/hr is the limit in the vicinity of schools etc. Why not here in Ireland?

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    Mute Gus Dennis
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 3:11 PM

    of course they would.They are thick,sitting comfortably behind computers in safe jobs with dedicated cycling paths,miles from reality where “public transport(bikes and buses!) is a sick joke..In Dublin whether the corpo like it or not CARS are,unfortunately,,essential ,at least until we get rid of the present outfit Paddy won’t cut much ice here,but the CEO of some vital American company stuck for the umpteenth time in posh Donnybrook or posher Ballsbridge might.. Don’t head off on your bike for the champers!! There’s still life in the corpo(or whatever they Call themselves for now)

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    Mute Derek Walsh
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 3:33 PM

    It would generally be difficult to average more than 30km/h along the quays. During peak times, traffic shuffles along slowly, each person alone in their five seater vehicle cursing all the others. At less busy times, the many traffic lights along the way will slow things down. The danger is during those off-peak times, some drivers feel the need to race as fast as possible between lights. It doesn’t get them to their destination faster, but a lot of people just hate travelling at slower speeds. Check out the other comments, it’s more dangerous, it’s more polluting, cars aren’t designed for it, etc. All sorts of risible excuses that just don’t hold up under any kind of scrutiny. It’s a sensible proposal, and one that will have negligible impact on drivers.

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    Mute Bill Clear
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 6:51 PM

    Conor faughnan as a member of the AA you do not speak for me so please stop saying you represent our views as you never looked for them. If this saves one child’s life it is worth it.

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    Mute Jane Alford
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 2:24 PM

    In many areas, you are really lucky if you can even reach 30kmph!

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    Mute techman
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    Nov 24th 2016, 12:11 AM

    So at 3 Am in the morning driving through crumlin you should attract 80 euro fine and 3 penalty points. Madness

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    Mute Jane Alford
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    Nov 24th 2016, 7:25 AM

    It’s the same with all these types of speed limits. They put 50kph limit around schools which are just empty buildings for 80% of the time. All these restrictive speed limits should only be for specific parts of the day, and in the case of schools, only when children are coming and going.

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    Mute Dublin Living
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    Nov 24th 2016, 1:19 PM

    Speed limits of 30kph on a main route are beyond ridiculous.

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    Mute eastsmer #IRExit
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    Nov 23rd 2016, 11:33 PM

    Ahh Dublin Centric Ireland.
    Outside of the pale we use Bóthairs (2 cows width)
    Average speed of 30KPH for a 100K drive between the 2 largest cities outside of Dublin

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