Wexford residents shocked as N25 speed limit jumps back to 100kmh

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

For a brief period of time the residents of Killinick in south Wexford were able to safely get to and from their homes via the N25 which links Rosslare Europort to Wexford town and beyond. However, this was only made possible by the temporary reduction of the speed limit on a road which transports scores of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to and from the port every day.

With roadworks taking place there for a number of months the limit was reduced to 60kmh, allowing safe passage for residents to get in and out of the roads connecting Killinick to the N25.

Those roadworks were completed earlier this month and, despite being informed the limit would only be increased to 80kmh upon their completion, those living in the area have been shocked to discover a return to 100kmh speeds in their locality.

Councillor Frank Staples is a native of the area and he used the June meeting of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) to air his grievances on the matter.

“The speed limit in Tagoat further along the road is 60kmh and it’s 50kmh in Kilrane, and yet it’s gone back up to 100kmh in Killinick,” he said. “I don’t know what’s going on but someone is going to be killed down there. You couldn’t cross that road with trucks coming at you at 100km/h. This is a disaster for the locals and they’re very unhappy with it.

“I can’t understand how it’s been allowed to go up to 100kmh. Assaly Lane is a nightmare at the moment. There’s juggernauts coming behind you and coming at you when you’re turning in there. Is there anything we can do?”

There’s juggernauts coming behind you and coming at you

He received support from Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien who said she no longer felt safe when driving on that road.

“I’ve driven it myself quite regularly recently and I don’t feel comfortable when I’m on it, especially when you have to pull in or out of the garage or the side roads,” she said.

With roads engineer Michael Brazzill absent it was left to technician Derek Cowman to inform the meeting that his colleague was “actively looking into the matter”.