Longford councillors critical of 'dictatorship from central government' as they debate proposed new speed limits

During their first meeting of 2025, Longford County Council members were asked to provide their approval for by-laws that will accompany incoming Road Traffic Legislation.

The details was given by Director of Services Barbara Hevlin who has responsibility over Community, Library and Cultural Services, Corporate and Human Resources.

Several weeks before, when the legislation was presented to the Municipal Districts the councillors were offered the chance to submit questions or requests to change the incoming by-laws to better suit the county as they saw fit.

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These submissions were under the public consultation that took place in August 2024 and closed in September 2024.

The legislation aims to tackle speeding on local roads by reducing speed limits from 80 km to 60km.

The legislation follows a review published by the Department of Transport and is being delivered in three phases and Phase One is currently in progress.

The Chamber was divided and a lengthy debate ensued regarding every aspect of the new legislation.

Proceedings were opened by the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mark Casey.

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“I propose we don’t reduce them,” he said believing that it was a regressive step for rural Ireland.

“I think bringing the speed limit from 80 to 60 is ridiculous on rural roads.

“In rural Ireland it’s just going to be a cash cow for speed vans,” say the Cathaoirleach.

Cllr Casey was unhappy with the former Minister of Transport Eamon Ryan, who was ousted from his position in the recent general election.

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“This is coming from a failed minister of transport,” he said.

“We have to stand back and try to limit the damage this man has done to rural Ireland.”

The Cathaoirleach then called for a meeting to discuss the by-laws further.

Leas-Cathaorleach, Cllr Peggy Nolan was one of the first councillors to second the legislation however did agree with the Cathaoirleach's complaints.

“I concur with most of what you said,” she replied.

However, she did agree with the reduction of speed saying “People are risking their lives just coming out of their drives.”

Barbara Heslin informed the councillors that the legislation would be effective from February 7.

“It’s the first meeting of the year if my tenure on this council is only to rubber-stamp legislation, I’m afraid I won’t be doing it,” said Cllr Nolan.

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“Nobody knows an area like the councillors,” she continued, “We can’t keep accepting the dictatorship from the central government.”

Cllr Séamus Butler then agreed with Cllr Nolan's point on central government saying, “Central government is just going over our heads.”

“It’s the way it is, it’s another nail in the functions of local representatives who, as Councillor Nolan pointed out, represent the people and know the area best.”

Other Councillors did agree with the proposed speed reductions such as Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi.

“Each of us has gotten requests from our constituents to reduce speed,” she said.

She acknowledged the fact that they can't dictate the speed limits or guarantee that the limits will be followed.

“That shouldn’t stop us from reviewing the speed limits to make sure as many people will adhere to the limits that are placed.

“Which will then keep more people in the community safe.”

Cllr Mick Cahill agreed with this point specifically regarding school areas.

“I think it would send the wrong message if we don’t reduce the speed.

“Regional roads are, the places around schools are so important.

“Year in, year out we’ve had issues with schools and speed limits,” he pointed out, “ I have no doubt we should be reducing speed limits, we shouldn’t be apologising for it.”