Following a significant spike in roads deaths over recent weeks, the government has announced a proposal to reduce speed limits on some roads by 20 km/h.  

Detailed plans are currently being prepared and will be put forward by Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers. They are expected to recommend the lowering of the baseline speed on many roads, although not motorways. 

This is likely to include the lowering of the national secondary roads limit from 100 km/h to 80 km/h and the rural road limit from 80km/h to 60km/h. The limit in built up areas would be reduced to 30km/h, with a 50km/h limit on arterial routes around urban areas. The limit on motorways and national roads would remain at 120 km/h and 100 km/h respectively. 

These changes will require new primary legislation and there will also be a strong resistance from certain quarters. 

Earlier, Justice Minister Helen McEntee, had announced a 20% increase in the use of speed detection cameras.