New speed limits have been introduced across Ireland as part of efforts to improve road safety. As of today, February 7th, the speed limit on rural local roads has been reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h.
The changes have been introduced as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy which is focused on a 50% reduction to the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 2030.
Local, rural roads are marked with an ‘L’ on maps and primarily rural. The changes are not expected to have a minimal impact on traffic and commute times.
However, it is hoped that the changes will help to drastically reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities in rural areas. Almost three in every four road deaths reported between 2020 and 2024 occurred on a rural road with a speed limit of 80km or more.
New signage will be introduced to indicate the updated speed limits, with local authorities responsible for ensuring the changes are clearly communicated to road users.
Motorists can also expect more changes to Ireland’s speed limits to come into effect later in 2025, with changes planned for urban areas and national secondary roads.
The speed limit in urban areas, such as housing estates and towns, is set to be reduced from 30km/h from 50km/h. While the speed limit on national secondary roads will also drop from 100km/h to 80km/h later this year.
John Kennedy, Managing Director of KennCo Insurance, stated, “The reduction in speed limits on rural roads is an important step towards improving road safety, particularly in areas where fatalities and serious injury have been most common. The changes are a necessary measure to protect vulnerable road users and reduce the number of accidents. Here at KennCo Insurance, we will continue to support all efforts that make our roads safer for everyone.”
The new speed limits are part of the government’s broader strategy to improve road safety as outlined in the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 and Vision Zero. These changes are expected to help reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities in rural areas, where most fatalities have historically occurred. The government aims for a 50% reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 2030, with the speed limit changes supporting this goal.
About KennCo Insurance
KennCo Insurance, established in 2008, operates as a part of KennCo Underwriting Limited, which has risen to become one of Ireland’s largest underwriting agencies. Proudly based in Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin, we are committed to providing competitively priced insurance policies for car, van, travel and home.
KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.