New 60 km/h speed limit on Irish rural roads implemented

Ireland has officially implemented reduced speed limits on many rural roads, changing from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. The initiative, promoted through the ‘Slower Speeds, Safer Roads’ campaign, aims to improve road safety and decrease collisions in rural areas.

The change, effective from February 7, 2025, has been supported by a public awareness campaign across various media. New speed limit signs, changing ‘80’ to ‘60,’ are now in place on relevant local roads, and the striped ‘rural speed limit sign’ also indicates a 60 km/h limit. Local authorities have been provided with grants to facilitate the changing of the signs. 

The move to lower speed limits is part of the government’s broader road safety strategy, aligning with the ‘Vision Zero’ goal for 2050 adopted across EU Member States. The primary aim is to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% by 2030. 

The Irish police have been preparing to enforce the new speed limits stating that there will be no transition period and that those exceeding the new limits will be prosecuted.