Judge takes 'very dim view' of speeding prosecutions in Limerick
Judge Patricia Harney made her comments as she dealt with more than 30 prosecutions relating to detections made by GoSafe vans at locations in Limerick late last year.
A JUDGE has expressed concerns about speeding prosecutions arising from detections on one of the busiest roads in Limerick.
Judge Patricia Harney said she takes a “very dim view” of cases involving speeds which are marginally above the speed limit.
She made her comments as she dealt with more than 30 prosecutions relating to detections made by GoSafe vans at locations in Limerick late last year.
In each case, Fixed Charge Penalty Notices which were issued to the registered owner of the vehicle were not paid, resulting in court summons being issued.
A significant number of the cases listed on the day related to detections on the N18 – at Ballinacurra Weston on the outskirts of the city.
In one case, Inspector Gearóid Thompson outlined how a motorist was allegedly detected travelling at a speed of 109km/h – 9km above the100km/h limit.
Dismissing the case, Judge Harney told the inspector: “I take a very dim view about this”, suggesting she had concerns about such prosecutions.
When another case was called, again involving an alleged speed of 109km/h on the N18 at Ballinacurra Weston, she commented “please please, please,” prompting the inspector to withdraw the matter.
A number of other cases, which were also listed, were later withdrawn without any evidence being given to the court.
The N18, which caters for thousands of vehicles every day, connects the Limerick Tunnel to the M7 motorway and GoSafe vans are regularly spotted close to the Rosbrien Interchange where the speed limit increases to 120km/h.
At Kilmallock Court, a number of motorists were convicted and fined for speeding on the N18, including one man who was detected travelling at 176km/h.
James Faulkner, aged 50, of The Mews, Alphonsus Street, Limerick was prosecuted arising from an incident on December 6, 2025.