Cork County Council Opens Consultation on New 30km/h Urban Speed Limits

Cork County Council is proposing 30km/h speed limits for housing estates, roads near schools and busy urban areas across the county. A public consultation is now open, and residents can make submissions until Tuesday 4 August 2026.

Cork County Council has commenced Phase 2 of the National Speed Limit Review, this time focusing on speed limits in built-up and urban areas across County Cork.

The move follows Phase 1, which saw the default speed limit on rural local roads reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h in February 2025. This next phase proposes to introduce 30km/h limits on all housing estate roads, roads adjacent to schools, and urban roads where there is significant and regular interaction with vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. A 30km/h limit equates to 18.6 miles per hour.

The Council says lower speeds in built-up settings improve road safety, promote sustainable and active travel, reduce noise, and present opportunities to improve the public realm. It notes, however, that to be effective, speed limits need to be credible and self-regulating, and should be regarded as appropriate by road users, otherwise they tend not to be adhered to.

The proposals have been developed in line with the national Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland, and the Council is now seeking the views of the public and stakeholders as part of the statutory consultation process.

The consultation period runs from Friday 3 July to Tuesday 4 August 2026. During this time, the draft bye-laws and maps can be inspected during office hours, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, at council offices in Cork, Mallow, Fermoy, Midleton, Cobh, Carrigaline, Bandon, Skibbereen, Bantry and Macroom. They are also available to view online.

Submissions can be made by email to speedlimitreview@corkcoco.ie, online through www.yourcouncil.ie, or by post or hand delivery, marked "Cork County Council Road Traffic Speed Limit Bye-Laws", to Staff Officer, Roads Management & Development Unit, Annabella, Mallow, Co. Cork. Those making a submission are asked to quote the relevant location and map reference, and the local road name where applicable.

The feedback will help inform the final Special Speed Limit Bye-laws, which are due to be considered by Cork County Council's elected members before 31 October 2026.