Call for lower speed limits in estates

The mother of a six-year-old boy who was knocked down and killed while playing near his home has appealed to Taoiseach Enda Kenny to back her bid to impose 20kmph speed limits on housing estates.

Sinn Féin is to push for changes in the law in the Dáil today as Roseanne Brennan continues the vigil in memory of her son, Jake, outside the gates of Leinster House.

‘Jake’s Law’ would bring in a standard speed limit across all residential estates.

Ms Brennan expressed concern that the Government had not moved on the issue since her son was killed near his Kilkenny home last June, despite meetings with ministers on the matter.

Councils have the power to reduce speed limits via bylaws, but the bulk of residential areas continue to have a 50kmph limit.

Ms Brennan said people would be able to notice the difference between a car travelling at 50kmph and 20kmph.

“It is not just about changing the speed, it is about changing people’s attitude, just like we have done over the years with drink driving and seatbelts,” she said.

“Enough is enough. It is time for Enda Kenny and other ministers to stand by their word and pass this Jake’s Law.”

Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald said the party was using its parliamentary time to bring in a standardised 20km/h restriction across the country and urged Government TDs to back the move.

“If we want to keep children safe we have to slow the traffic down in housing estates,” she said.

“This is not party political wrangle, it’s about the safety of children.”

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said he is not opposed to the proposals, but needs to consider the implications.

A spokesperson said: “Local authorities are best positioned to determine the appropriate speed limits in their areas and in the interest of road safety this should remain the case.

“While not opposing the proposal to make provision in legislation for a 20kmph speed limit, the minister will seek advice on the practicalities and implications of applying 20kmph limits before committing to the bill’s provisions or making amendments at later stages.”