Minister denies 'rolling back' on speed limits as planned changes in Laois not automatic

A fortnight after the Leinster Express/Laois Live reported that there will be no default 30km speed limits introduced in urban areas in Laois, Minister of State, Sean Canney, has rejected suggestions the government is “rolling back” on its road safety commitments.  

News that a blanket introduction of the 30km/h limits would not be introduced was met with disappointment by a local campaign group in Portlaoise. 

Portlaoise Parents for Safer Streets was set up in the wake of the tragic deaths of two small children in Portlaoise in the space of just 18 months.

Tragically, 3 year-old Rosaleen McDonagh was struck by a car in Fairgreen, Portlaoise on August 30, 2023 and 5-year-old Aaron Hussain died in a collision with a car at Kilminchy, Portlaoise on February 22, 2025. A petition which secured over 500 signatures was started by the group who called for a range of measures to make estates in Portlaoise safer for children.

“There is no softening of the strategy,” Minister Canney, who has responsibility for Road Safety said. “Suggestions that the plan has been diluted or abandoned are simply incorrect. I will ensure every commitment is delivered,” he insisted. 

He confirmed that all actions outlined in the Phase 2 Action Plan, published this week, which was informed by the 2023 Speed Limit Review, will be implemented in full.

He noted the default speed limit on rural local roads has already been reduced to 60km/h on approximately 80% of all roads — a major first step that is now being reviewed for impact.

Following the implementation of the new rural default limits in February, the next phase will be implementation of 30km/h limits in urban areas where local authorities choose to adopt them.

READ ALSO: Laois action group deeply concerned over speed limit decision

The next phase is to reduce the default speed limit on national secondary roads from 100km/h to 80km/h.

The Department of Transport said this change is still proceeding and is being facilitated by a minor technical amendment to be included in the upcoming National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025 to allow local authorities to retain the 100km/h limit as a special speed limit only where clearly appropriate based on road safety standards and in accordance with the speed limit guidelines.  

“It is entirely appropriate that the changes in speed limits are implemented logically, safely and accurately.  My Department is ensuring that this happens and that speed limits changes, as they are implemented, are credible, make a difference for road safety and not brought into disrepute,” said Minister Canney. 

“There is no backpedalling on 30km/h urban limits,” Minister Canney said. “The strategy gives local authorities the tools to implement these safer speeds, and the Department will support them in doing so,” he remarked. 

According to the Department, enforcement measures, including speed cameras, red light cameras, bus lane enforcement, and technology to detect mobile phone use and non-wearing of seatbelts, remain part of the strategy. 

“The immediate focus will continue to be on the further roll out of camera based enforcement against speeding, which remains the most dangerous behaviour on our roads. This is being progressed by An Garda Síochána and has seen 12 new speed cameras deployed in the last year. Enforcement of other offences will be addressed over the course of Phase 2 action plan.” 

Minister Canney concluded: “Our goal of halving road deaths by 2030 — and eliminating them by 2050 — stands firm. The plan is in motion, and I will see it through.”