Cars 'flying' through Galway residential areas ahead of 30km/h limits

Residents in Knocknacarra and other Galway suburbs are facing “extraordinarily high” traffic speeds in their neighbourhoods.

Published 11th Jun 2026, 09:45 BST Iconic Residents in Knocknacarra and other Galway suburbs are facing “extraordinarily high” traffic speeds in their neighbourhoods. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

Cars are “flying” through parts of Knocknacarra at 60km/h and 70km/h despite nearby estates, schools and pedestrian crossings, councillors said during meetings on the upcoming rollout of 30km/h zones across parts of Galway city.

Cllr Alan Curran (Soc Dem) said speeds on roads in Knocknacarra were “extraordinarily high” and expressed disappointment that some areas would not see wider 30km/h zones under the current proposals.

“Knocknacarra has very limited extension on 30km/h zones,” he said in relation to the new special speed limits.

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He said roads including Kingston and parts of Knocknacarra remained a concern, adding that engineering measures to slow traffic were still years away.

“Engineering measures are part of the multimodal report, which is years away.”

Labour Cllr Níall McNeilis raised concerns about speeding on the Clybaun Road and Ballymoneen Road, saying residents regularly witnessed dangerous driving near estates and school crossings.

“The speed is unbelievable,” he said at the West Ward Area Committee Meeting. “They come off that roundabout at 60km/h and 70km/h.”

He said enforcement would be critical if lower speed limits were to make any real difference.

Independent Cllr Donal Lyons also pointed to speeding concerns on roads around the west of the city and said enforcement remained “the elephant in the room”.

“Signs are great but we need to emphasise getting the Gardaí to enforce this,” he said.

He also highlighted “the speed that cars come off the roundabout at Clybaun Road” and said “they fly down the Ballymoneen Road.”

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Concerns were also raised about roads in Shantalla and Salthill.

Fine Gael Cllr Clodagh Higgins welcomed proposals to reduce speeds on Threadneedle Road, saying residents there “will be delighted”.

Cllr Eibhlín Seoighthe (Ind) called for a wider 30km/h zone along Shantalla Road, saying the area included a secondary school, primary school and two creches.

“We are concerned it doesn’t go far enough,” she said at the Central Ward Area Meeing. “People pick up speed at Coláiste Muire.”

Council officials said they would re-examine whether a permanent 30km/h limit could be extended further along the route.

The council is expected to seek approval in June to begin public consultation on the proposed byelaws during summer 2026.

Under timelines set by the Department of Transport, local authorities must complete the byelaw and consultation process by October 30, with full implementation - including signs and road markings - due by March 2027.

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