Dept of Transport want lower speed limits in housing estates

A circular has been issued to local authorities regarding speed limits in housing estates and built-up areas.

The Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe wants measures examined to improve road safety for children, other pedestrians and cyclists.

The circular sets out the results of a recent survey by the department, which determines the use of traffic calming measures - including a 30 kilometre per hour speed limit, speed ramps and signage.

Excluding Dublin City Council, 135 housing estates, or just 1.5%, have a 30km/hr speed limit, while 14% of the country's 8,725 housing estates currently have speed ramps.