Labour shambles as Councillor does U-turn on 30km speed limit in Dublin city – Andrews

The disarray in Labour party ranks over the 30kph speed limit in Dublin city centre shows once again how disjointed their policies are, according to Fianna Fail TD, Chris Andrews.

"Labour Councillor and Chairman of Dublin City Council’s Transport Committee, Andrew Montague, has today on Lunchtime with Eamon Keane announced a u turn on the reduced 30km limit.”

“Cllr Montague who instigated the lower driving limit in Dublin city has now admitted it needs to go back for public consultation following widespread criticism from Dublin motorists and criticisms within his own party.”

“The Labour Party has really made a mess of this whole issue. They championed this from the outset but as soon as it was implemented the party immediately rowed back on its support for it.”.

“Only four days after the reduced speed limit came into operation, Labour leader Eamon Gilmore went against his own Councillors and clearly stated his lack of support for the decision, while Labour City Councillor Aodhan O’Riordain said it was impractical and would have to go back to the drawing board.

"Two days ago, another Labour Councillor, Dermot Lacey said he intended to put down a motion at Dublin City Council calling for a reversal of the decision. He said : 'It is too slow. The scheme is not working along the quays and I plan on pushing for a proposal to up the limit to 40km and to scrap the whole thing along the quays.'”

"We need to ask the question, why did Labour propose this reduced speed limit without any proper public consultation to begin with? The stress caused to commuters and taxis in Dublin city could have been avoided if Labour had only listened to the public and to each other to begin with," added Deputy Andrews.