Limerick councillor expresses concerns over decision making regarding speed limits
A FORMER Mayor of Limerick has expressed concern about the council’s lack of influence in the decision-making process regarding speed reductions.
Cllr Stephen Keary’s concerns were aired during a special meeting of Limerick City and County Council earlier this month.
During the meeting, he shed light on past experiences where he believes valuable suggestions made by councillors were disregarded.
“The council does not have sufficient influence in the whole process,” he stated.
He recalled a previous occasion when a consultancy firm was engaged to carry out a countywide review of speed limits.
According to Cllr Keary, suggestions which were put forward by elected members as part of the review, were ignored.
“Valuable suggestions made by councillors were just ignored and just thrown in the bucket,” he stated, adding he believes it is a waste of councillors’ time, if their opinions are not going to be taken on board.
Cllr Keary went on to provide a specific example of Woodlands Road, Adare where there are concerns about the existing 80km/h speed limit.
He noted the presence of approximately 80 houses along a two-mile stretch, as well as the Woodlands House Hotel, which employs a significant number of people.
He told the meeting that the area is not classified as a built-up zone, which means the 80km/h speed limit will be retained.
“I paid for two driver feedback signs; I don’t know how effective they are. We wanted the speed reduced to 60km/h, and we were just ignored,” he stated expressing frustration over what he perceives as a lack of a response to the safety concerns of the community.
A motion discussed and passed at the meeting, seeks the introduction of an average speed camera safety system on all regional and national roads, similar to what's in place on the M7 motorway between Limerick and Nenagh.
It has been recommended by Cllr Keary that this issue be brought to all authorities by elected representatives, in an effort to ensure action is taken to implement the agreed recommendation.