The N25 is routinely cited as one of the most dangerous stretches of roads in the country.
A recent effort to prevent further collisions has seen an 80 km static speed camera installed in the Glenmore area. The early months of this camera’s operation were marked by controversy as Gardaí had to revoke over 900 fines issued in June 2025, due to human error in the processing.
This issue is said to have been resolved but many N25 users are still claiming to have been fined incorrectly.
A petition created last week has received 1,662 signatures online, which asks Kilkenny County Council to: review the speed limit transition distance from 100 km/h to 80 km/h, review the placement and visibility of the speed limit signage, consider additional advance warning signage before the reduced speed limit, and ensure the road layout prioritises safety, clarity, and fair enforcement.
In response to the controversy, councillors for the Piltown District have called for improved signage around the static speed camera, which they acknowledge is working well.
Fine Gael Councillor Fidelis Doherty, raised the issue, saying “the static camera still keeps being spoken about. …Possibly it’s seen as a way of generating money when the real issue is safety and saving lives”.
“14,000 people use that road, sometimes twice a day. But we’ll have to do something. Maybe if there was a definitive sign that says in 250 meters the static camera will detect you,” she said.
Cllr Tomás Breathnach, commented that “People are driving safer. So you wouldn’t want to undo the good work that has been done.”
While Cllr Slattery agreed, suggesting the camera clearly works, but there must be an issue review as the matter is still coming up months after the camera was installed.
In reply to these queries, Area Engineer for Kilkenny Council, John Tennyson, explained that the Road Design department were preparing a formal review. He explained that the signage around the camera was the responsibility of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, while the camera itself is operated by An Garda Síochána.
Mr. Tennyson went on to say the detections form the N25 camera were now in line with other national cameras.
“We have seen a major decrease in fines. The latest figures show it [the N25 camera] is in line with national speed cameras,” he added.
AARON KENT
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
