Dublin cyclists welcome city centre speed limits

Cyclists in Dublin have welcomed a 30km/h speed limit that has come into force in the city centre.

The speed limit, which includes the Irish capital's famous O'Connell Street, is part of a strategy that has included restrictions on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), the introduction of a bus gate at College Green and the deployment of the Dublin Bikes 'velib' scheme.

The limit will apply from Bolton Street on the north side to Kevin Street Lower and St Stephen’s Green on the south side. It covers roads from Church Street and Bridge Street in the west city to Gardiner Street, Tara Street and Dawson Street on the east.

The 30km/h zone also includes national roads such as O’Connell Street, Dame Street and the north and south quays between Church Street and Tara Street.

Plans to implement the reduced limit, approved by councillors last October, were announced by Lord Mayor of Dublin Emer Costello.

According to the Irish Times, the AA has criticised the new limit saying it will pointlessly frustrate traffic and infuriate motorists.

However, the Dublin Cycling Campaign has welcomed the introduction the measure.

The group said the move will make roads safer and help reduce congestion.

"A major reason people are fearful of cycling is the feeling of being overtaken by larger vehicles at speed, and reduced speed limits are the answer," said Dublin Cycling Campaign chairman Will Andrews.