Kerry County Council is being urged to fund Ireland’s first “quiet lane” scheme. The proposal aims to create low-traffic rural roads that encourage walking, cycling, and other active travel, helping rural residents reclaim local roads after traffic volumes rose in recent years. Surveys and traffic counts have already been completed on Ventry High Road (L8039) and Bothar Bhaile na Ratha (L8047) on the Dingle Peninsula, and the community wants to run the pilot first in the country. Community representatives say the initiative would restore social connection and improve wellbeing. A traffic survey recorded 1,900 vehicle movements in four days, including 965 vehicles above the 60 km/h limit, with a top speed of 105 km/h. A phased approach is proposed, starting with enhanced signage before adding road markings and quiet lane signs.
"“This is about social space...rural people have lost the roads, not by design, but traffic has increased, and people have lost that ability to connect,” he said."
"“Theres a great energy, commitment and dedication, people are not just saying they want this, they are showing that they want this. We have shown an improved wellbeing when people are able to move, it's great for community wellbeing and it's essentially a healthy thing. It's going to get noticed and it's going to get traction. I think Kerry County Council (KCC) can make it happen, find the pot of money and show that this is not really that complicated.”"
"A traffic survey of the Ventry High Road found that over 1,900 vehicle movements were recorded in just four days, with 965 vehicles over the 60km/h speed limit. The top speed recorded was 105km/h."
"Dingle Hub Manager Deirdre de Bhailís called for a phased approach, initially introducing enhanced standard road signage before adding road markings and custom 'quiet lane' signs."
Read at Irish Independent
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