Road safety concerns raised over speed limit on busy Limerick road
Speed surveys found average vehicle speeds below the posted limit, but concerns over collisions and road safety remain.
Concerns have again been raised over speeding and road safety on a stretch of road outside Ballylanders village, with renewed calls for a reduction in the current 80km/h speed limit.
The issue was discussed at the May meeting of the Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District after councillors previously sought to extend the existing 60km/h zone on the R513 towards Mitchelstown.
At the April meeting, councillor Eddie Ryan proposed extending the existing 60km/h speed limit by approximately two kilometres beyond Ballylanders village towards Mitchelstown. The proposal was seconded by councillor Martin Ryan.
Councillors had referred to frequent road safety issues and collisions along the route, including claims of 31 accidents over a 29-day period, arguing that while some safety measures had already been introduced, further action was needed.
The proposal was referred to the Roads Central Services Department of Limerick City and County Council for examination and further consideration.
At the May meeting, A/Senior Executive Engineer, Darragh Corcoran read a statement from the department outlining the findings of speed assessments carried out at two separate locations along the road following the speed limit appeal.
The first survey location was approximately 1.1km from the junction of Ballylanders soccer field with the R513. At that point, the mean speed recorded was 69km/h, while the 85th percentile speed was 78km/h in an existing 80km/h zone.
At the second location, approximately 1.7km from the same junction, the mean speed was recorded at 67km/h, while the 85th percentile speed was 76km/h.
According to the statement, the survey results “confirm that the existing posted speed limit is correct for the section of road in question”.
The report also stated that the “sparse nature of development” along the route would not warrant a reduction to 60km/h under Chapter 7 of the Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland.
However, councillors were told that a further assessment of vehicle speeds along the road will be carried out in the coming weeks in order to obtain updated data.