‘Concerning and alarming’: Gardaí issue statement on speeding on busy Carlow road

Gardaí in Carlow have released a statement on the number of fatal accidents happening on a busy road in the town.

A static speed camera was installed on the N80, Wexford Road at Graiguenaspiddepg in May of 2025.

It was put there in response to the volume of “fatal and serious” traffic incidents that had happened there, with the speed limit now set at 80km/h.

However, in a statement on Facebook, Carlow Gardaí have said that drivers are still being found driving in excess of that limit, with the volume of drivers doing so being labelled “concerning and alarming.”

“Numbers detected travelling in excess of the speed limit this year so far are now on average *129*,” the post states.

Superintendent Anthony Farrell provided feedback based on this evidence.

“It is clear that there needs to be a sharper focus compliance rather than enforcement. We can't wait for serious road traffic collisions to happen before people take notice. I say this especially in the direction of our young drivers,” he said.

READ NEXT: Calls for mandatory registration, insurance and taxation of e-scooters in Carlow

“Sadly, people have not only being seriously injured on this road but also lost their lives. Looking at volume of speeding, especially in the N80, I think of families, friends and communities impacted by such tragedies,” he added.

An Garda Síochána will continue with speed enforcement measures, including speed limit reviews on all roads throughout Carlow, but “driver responsibility is key.”

Superintendent Farrell said he is not being an alarmist by making the figures public, but instead is attempting to increase awareness on the issue of people speeding on the N80.

“I release this data to appeal to motorists to take note of speed limit signage (whatever road you are on) and adjust your speed accordingly,” Superintendent Farrell said.

He added that the reduction in the speed limit from 100km/h to 80km/hr adds just under 4 minutes to a driver’s journey, if they are travelling from Carlow to Bunclody.

He appealed to people to start their journey a few minutes earlier, rather than attempting to make up time on the road.

“Speed limits are not targets. Arriving 3 minutes 49 seconds later to your destination - does it really make that much of a difference? Please drive safely. Arrive alive,” the post concluded.