Greens support lower speeds for safer streets
Green councillors supported the lowering of speed limits to make local streets safer, in a vote on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown council this evening (May 13). Reducing speed limits to 30 km/h is a promise made in the Green Party local election manifesto in order to protect motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. This is one example of the influence Green councillors have on councils and how they are already putting Green principles into practice.
Stillorgan Councillor and Green group leader, Eva Dowling said:
“Almost every road and street across the County has now been reduced to 30km/h. This is welcomed by the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Green Councillors who have advocated for safer streets and worked with local residents and our road engineers to achieve this.
“Reducing speed limits in the Mount Merrion and Ardilea estates, amongst others, will be greatly appreciated by the residents who have long campaigned for safer streets and worked with the Council through public made submissions to achieve this.”
The decision comes after 625 members of the public made submissions to the public consultation. Over 80% of responses supported lower speed limits and only 7% opposed them. A total of 47% of the public wished for a specific road to have a lower speed limit and a further 30% expressed general support for the scheme. A common feature of submissions was that many requested speed limits to be lowered on streets which contained schools.
Glencullen-Sandyford Councillor and Chair of the Transport Committee, Oisín O’Connor said:
“I'm delighted as Chairperson of the Transport Committee in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown to welcome the passing of the most progressive set of speed limit bye-laws in the country, bringing in 30km/h as the speed limit in all residential areas, villages and town centres.
“This will make it safer for all of us, especially children, older people and people with visual and mobility issues. My Green colleagues and I would like to take things further for the next five years and in particular focus on reducing speed limits outside schools that are on main roads."
