Ireland Reduces Rural Road Speed Limits

The Republic of Ireland is implementing a reduction in speed limits on rural local roads from 80km/h (50mph) to 60km/h (37mph) starting Friday, as part of the 'Slower Speeds, Safer Roads' campaign under the Road Traffic Act 2024. This initiative responds to a rise in road fatalities and injuries, aiming to enhance road safety. The changes will initially affect rural roads, with further reductions planned in 2025 for national secondary and urban roads. An Garda Síochána will enforce the new limits through public awareness campaigns and various speed-detection methods. While some residents and visitors are unaware of these changes, others express mixed opinions about their effectiveness. Inspector Gary Carroll of the Kerry Roads Policing Unit emphasized the need for compliance to reduce accidents, especially in rural areas that often go unnoticed in headlines.