Justice Minister Investigates Kilkenny Speed Camera Issuing Over 30,000 Fines
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan is investigating a Kilkenny speed camera that issued over 30,000 fines in a year, generating €4.9 million. Concerns stem from a sudden speed limit change and camera positioning, leading to an unusually high number of penalties compared to other cameras nationwide.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has directed officials to investigate a controversial speed camera on the N25 near Glenmore, Co Kilkenny, which issued over 30,000 fines in one year. Installed in May last year, this static camera is on a busy national road linking Waterford, Kilkenny, and Wexford.
Concerns exist regarding the road structure, specifically a sudden speed limit reduction from 100 km/h to 80 km/h for drivers coming from Wexford. This camera's fine count significantly surpasses the eight other static speed cameras in Ireland. Transport Infrastructure Ireland approved new signage 400 meters further from the original location following issues raised about existing signs.
Labour TD George Lawlor highlighted that this single camera generated €4.9 million in revenue in 11 months and has led to drivers losing licenses. He argued that drivers decelerating from a 100 km/h zone into an 80 km/h zone are not given adequate time to comply. O’Callaghan acknowledged the disparity, noting that two cameras, including one on the N80 in Carlow (15,880 fines), show unusual numbers of fixed charge notices. He suspects camera positioning, particularly near a transition from a higher to a lower speed limit, might be the cause and has requested an inquiry.