Deadline fast approaching on plans to slow traffic in towns and villages across Laois
Speed limits in parts of many towns and villages across Laois will be reduced from 50kph to 30 kph in the coming months
The deadline is fast approaching for public submissions on a major review of urban speed limits in towns and villages across Laois.
The Government is looking to reduce speed limits on many urban roads from 50km/h to 30km/h, particularly on residential streets and in town and village centres as part of a national review.
In Laois, plans are on display online for towns including Portlaoise, Mountmellick, Portarlington, Abbeyleix, Graiguecullen, Stradbally, Mountrath, Rathdowney, Borris-in-Ossory and also for many villages across the county.
In Portlaoise, the draft plan proposals would include permanent 30km/h zones introduced on the N80 Mountmellick Road from the Rossvale estate roundabout to the Market Square roundabout.
On the N80 Stradbally Road starting at the Eastern end at the existing 50km/h speed limit signage and ending at the junction with the R445 Dublin Road. Also, on the Old Abbeyleix Road / Market Place, a 30km/h speed limit to the N80 from the junction with the N77 (Abbeyleix roundabout) to the junction with the R445 (Market Square roundabout).
On the R445 from the junction with the N80 east to Kilminchy Avenue estate at the existing 50km/h speed limit signage and at the L6137 Colliers Lane from the junction with the L2133 Borris road to the junction with the R445 Dublin Road.
Also, on the N77 Abbeyleix road from existing 50km/h speed limit signage north to the Abbeyleix road roundabout.
In Portarlington, the draft proposals suggest maintaining existing 30km zones and including a 30km/h for a section of the Marian Hill from the junction with the R419 to the eastern end of Barrow View estate and, along the Marian Hill link to the junction with Pine Villa Road.
Along a section of the L-31575 (St. Michael's Park road) from the junction with the R419, west past Sandy Lane National School for a total length of approximately 300 metres.
A 30km/h to the R420 from the existing 30km/h speed limit signage heading east along Bracklone Street to the junction of the L83035 (St. Brigid's Square) Road. A speed limit of 30km/h to Station Road from the junction with the R420 south to the junction with Canal Road and a 30km/h zone to the L3158 (Canal Road) in place of the existing periodic speed limit at St. Patrick's Boys National School.
In Graiguecullen, 30km/h speed limits are being recommended to the R924 from the junction with the N80 to the Carlow County boundary. Also, along the entire length of Church Road and on the R430 from the junction with the R924 to the Carlow boundary. At the western entrance to the Fruithill Manor off the Castlecomer Road and at Fruithill Court housing estate.
In Stradbally, recommendations included that 30km zones be introduced on Chapel Lane, along Church Avenue and for Court Square from the junctions with the N80 to end west on the Timahoe Road.
In Mountmellick, recommendations include a 30km/h speed limit on the N80 from the junction with the R422 to the junction with the L20972 Bay Road. Permanent 30km/h speed limit on the L20972 Bay road from the junction with the N80 extending north for 244 metres.
A 30km/h speed limit on the R422 from the junction with the N80 to the junction with New Road. Permanent 30km/h speed limit on Manor Road from the junction with the R422 south past Manor Grove estate.
A 30km/h speed limit on the N80 from Hayden's Garden Centre north to the existing 30km/h speed limit. A 30km/h speed limit along the R423 to the existing 50km/h speed limit signage. A 30km/h slow zone to roads adjacent to R422 Harbour Street (existing terraced housing). A 30km/h speed limit on the L2120 Acragar Road from the existing 50km/h speed limit northwest to the existing 30km/h speed limit signage. Permanent 30km/h slow zone to road within the existing Acragar Housing estate.
In Abbeyleix, recommendations include a 30km/h speed limit to the R425 from the junction with the N77 to the northern end of the existing periodic speed limit signage.
A 30km/h speed limit to the Rathmoyle Road between the junction with the R430 Ballinakkill Road and the junction with the R425 Ballyroan road. Permanent 30km/h speed limit for the entire length of the Upper Rathmoyle road.
A 30km/h speed limit to the N77 starting at Heritage house / R435 junction and finishing south of the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel at the existing 50km/h speed limit sign. A 30km/h speed limit to the R430 from the junction with the N77, west for approximately 892 metres. A 30km/h speed limit to the R430 from the junction with the N77 to east of the junction with the L67203.
A 30km/h speed limit to L16568 Vessey Clós from the junction with the R433 to the junction with the L16567. A 30km/h speed limit to the R433 from the junction with the N77 west to the existing 50km/h speed limit signage. Permanent 30km/h speed limit on the L5631 from the junction with the N77 to the start of the periodic speed limit at the junction with the R433.
In Mountrath, recommendations include that 30km zones be introduced to the R445 from the existing 50km/h speed limit heading west to the junction of the R423.
A 30km/h to the Urban Centre at the junction of Main Street R445 and the R430 including along the entire length of the Link Road. A permanent speed limit of 40km/h on roads leading to the GAA pitch.
A 30km/h limit for a section of the New Line road in the vicinity of St. Fintan's National School and on the R445 from the existing 50km/h speed limit signage south of the secondary school extending north to the junction with the R430 ending at the northern end of the existing periodic speed limit.
A 30km/h limit for the entire length of the Sráid Phádraig / Black Lane and on the L82054 along the front row of houses within the Moanbaun Close estate.
Details of the recommended speed limit changes are available on Laois County Council’s website.
Written submissions or observations on the Draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws amendment may be made in one of two ways:
Via Email with “Draft Special Speed Limit (Amendment) Bye-Laws 2026” in the subject line to [email protected] .
In writing (marked “Draft Special Speed Limit (Amendment) Bye-Laws 2026”) to the undersigned.
Submissions or observations must be made in writing no later than Tuesday, August 11 at 4pm. Written submissions should be clearly marked Speed Limit Review 2026.
The proposed amendments to Special Speed Limits form part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 – ‘Our Journey Towards Vision Zero’.
Changes from 50km/h to 30km/h will be introduced by local authorities allowing time for consultation, legal processes and signage installation, with nationwide implementation expected by 31 March 2027.