Dublin City Council is this week expected to rubber stamp plans to introduce 30km/h speed limit zones in residential areas across the city.

The speed limit cuts are expected to begin on a phased basis from next March – beginning with north-western suburbs like Glasnevin, Finglas and Ballymun.

It comes after more than 900 people answered a public consultation on the issue – with almost 700 supporting lower limits.

Labour Party Councillor Marie Sherlock said the plans have been in the works for over a decade.

“This is the final stage of a very long-running campaign to try and extend speed limits or lower speed limits to 30kph across all residential areas in Dublin,” she said.

“The city council first started lowering speed limits to 30kph in 2007.

The DCC traffic committee will vote on the plans later this week.

If approved, the first phase of introduction will take place in March.

The limits will then be extended to southern areas of the city in June and northeastern areas by September.