Gov Accuses Labour Of 'Disarray' Over Speed Limit

The Government has criticised the Labour Party, calling it a "shambles" over a reversal on their policy on the Dublin City speed limit controversy.

Fianna Fail TD, Chris Andrews accused the Labour Party of "disarray" within its ranks over the controversial 30kph speed limit imposed by Labour councillors in Dublin city centre. Labour councillor Andrew Montague drew up the idea for the exceptionally slow limit, which was intended to promote efficient through flow of traffic.

“The Labour Party has really made a mess of this whole issue. They championed this from the outset but as soon as it was implemented the party immediately rowed back on its support for it," Mr Andrews said.

“Only four days after the reduced speed limit came into operation, Labour leader Eamon Gilmore went against his own Councillors and clearly stated his lack of support for the decision, while Labour City Councillor Aodhan O’Riordain said it was impractical and would have to go back to the drawing board.

"Two days ago, another Labour Councillor, Dermot Lacey said he intended to put down a motion at Dublin City Council calling for a reversal of the decision. He said : 'It is too slow. The scheme is not working along the quays and I plan on pushing for a proposal to up the limit to 40km and to scrap the whole thing along the quays.'”

Meanwhile, Cork City Council has said it will be taking a more "common sense" approach to its city speed limits and measures to promote cycling.

The transport department was reacting to plans by the architect of the new Dublin City Centre limit, Councillor Andrew Montague, to reduce the areas covered by the limit after a massive public backlash.

Dublin City Council moved to defend the scheme which it said was there "for safety reasons".

However, Ian Winning, from the Roads and Transportation Department of Cork City Council said it's about "being sensible".

(DW/BMcC)