National  ‘ SLOW DOWN DAY’

National  ‘ SLOW DOWN DAY’ as part of National Speed Enforcement Operation

South Dublin County Council is happy to support An Garda Síochána’s 24hr National Speed Enforcement Operation, National #SlowDown Day which is also supported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and other stakeholders this Wednesday, 18th February 2026.

An Garda Síochana conducts a number of high profile National #SlowDown Days every year.  The aim of National #SlowDown Day is to remind motorists of the dangers of speeding, encourage awareness and promote a national conversation on the impact of speeding, the devastation it can have and to increase overall compliance with speed limits.  Speed checks will be in place nationwide to deter and detect those that are intent on driving at excessive or inappropriate speed. So far in 2026 there have unfortunately been 17 fatalities on Irish roads.

When you speed

• it reduces your potential reaction time to react to something unexpected, and there is an increase in the likelihood of losing control of your vehicle, which could lead to a serious life changing injuries or fatal collision.
• The consequences of speeding can be devastating, not only for the person involved, their families and also other innocent people on the road.  The higher the speed the greater the impact if you have a Road Traffic Collision.

Mayor of South Dublin County Council Cllr Pamela Kearns said  "I am delighted to be supporting this very important Road Safety campaign along with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana ‘ as part of National Speed Enforcement Operation, ‘National SLOW DOWN Day’.   Every time you get behind the wheel remember the responsibility that goes with that. Be aware of Vulnerable Road User and obey the Rules of the Road at all times.  Don’t put yourself or  other road users at risk, particularly pedestrians that may be attempting to crossing the road or cyclists  motor cyclists that may be turning at a junction.  Together we can make Irish Roads a Safer place."

Road Safety Officer at South Dublin County Council Orlaith Maguiresaid ‘"The campaign is aimed at raising awareness about the responsibilities of all drivers to always ‘Expect the Unexpected’ we are promoting safer driving to reduce speed related collisions.  Speed matters and the hard and fast facts are that if a car travelling at 30 km per hour hits a pedestrian 1 in 10 will be fatal,   if a car is travelling at 60 km per hour 9 in 10 will be fatal.  We are asking all road users to change their driver behaviours and attitudes to Speed to reflect a safer road user and reduce speed related collisions  on Irish roads”. Remember, you can’t undo a fatal mistake, could you live with the consequences?  behind every number is a grieving family, a mother, brother, father, sister, a husband, a wife.  Further information can be found by emailing info@sdublincoco.ie"

 Superintendent Thomas Murphy, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said  ‘"n Garda Siochana are delighted to work alongside and support South Dublin County Council on this National SLOW DOWN as part of National Enforcement day,  through multi-agency co-operation in promoting road safety awareness .   The launch of this very important road safety campaign is designed towards promoting the safer use on Irish roads, highlight the dangers of Speeding and the devastation it can leave behind.  Driving in excess of the legal speed limit and/or driving at an inappropriate speed for the prevailing road, weather and traffic conditions not only puts you at risk, but also endangers the lives of the people around you.  I would ask all drivers to remember, behind every fatality is a person that intended to come home. So, on this day , please reduce your speed and make it a habit going forward."

ENDS

Contact -    Orlaith Maguire – Road Safety Officer

Ph:                      086 2550844