30km/hr Speed Limit in Centre

A reduced 30 km/hour speed limit has been introduced to all roads within Dublin's city centre. The area extends from Bolton St on the north-side to St Stephen's Green in the south, and from Church St in the west to Dawson St in the east. The national roads affected are O'Connell St, Dame St, and the North and South Quays between Tara St and Church St.

While the new speed limit has been applauded by the Dublin Cycling Campaign and groups representing pedestrians, the Dublin Business Association has voiced fears that shoppers will drive to retail outlets in the city's suburbs, as Dublin's centre continues to become less welcoming to motorists.

The Automobile Association of Ireland has reacted strongly against the move to reduce the previous limit of 50km/hr to 30 km/hr, describing it as a 'misapplication'. However commentators have noted that, due to congested traffic, the highest speed possible for motorists on many of the routes affected was below 30km/hr anyway.

Dublin's traffic police have already issued numerous speeding tickets in a concentrated effort to enforce the new limits.