Independent TD Seán Canney has called on the Department of Transport to introduce a speed limit of 30 km/h for schools in the country.
He said that there are roads past many schools, especially rural national schools outside of towns and villages, where the speed limit is set at 80km/h.
Canney said that while there may be intermittent flashing speed signs, they are not effective and are not working at times.
“In the interest of safety of school children, a national policy of 30kph is required at all schools.
“This will remove the doubt for drivers and help safeguard safety for children, parents, and staff at school premises.”
The Galway East TD said he has been in contact with many school principals and parents, who expressed the view that the existing arrangement is dangerous.
Deputy Canney wrote to the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan last week requesting that he introduces a blanket rule to fix speed limits to 30kph at every school.
“The local authorities can then introduce the speed limits as part of their next speed limit review.
“We have already set a national speed limit of 30kph for all residential housing estates, and this has worked and is effective. My motivation is to save lives and ensure that children, parents, and school staff have a safe environment on the public road adjacent to schools.”
