Gardaí to Roll Out 42 New Safety Camera Zones in Cork as National Speed Enforcement Expansion Begins
CORK, IRELAND - An Garda Síochána has confirmed that 42 new road safety and speed camera zones will be operational in Cork from 1 January 2026, as part of a sweeping nationwide expansion of traffic enforcement aimed at reducing speed‑related collisions and fatalities.
The Sun
The rollout is part of a broader programme across the Republic that will see 390 new safety camera zones introduced nationwide, bringing the total number of monitored locations to 1,901.
The Sun
Gardaí have stated the expanded network targets areas with a record of speed‑related collisions, including school zones, rural roads and other high‑risk spots identified through collision data and community engagement. This includes 30 new zones in Cork city and county, supplemented by 12 additional locations added following local safety requests.
The Sun
Assistant Commissioner Catharina Gunne, who leads Roads Policing and Community Engagement, emphasised that while the majority of drivers adhere to posted limits, a small segment of reckless drivers significantly increases danger on Irish roads. She stressed the primary aim of the safety camera network is to deter excessive speed, reduce serious injuries, and save lives rather than simply issue fines.
The Sun
National Context: Rising Road Deaths and Broader Enforcement
The introduction of the new zones comes amid a troubling rise in road fatalities this year, with 186 deaths recorded in 2025, marking the highest level of road deaths nationwide in over a decade.
kildare-nationalist.ie
The safety camera strategy uses a mix of static cameras fixed at specific points and mobile GoSafe vans that operate across designated speed enforcement zones throughout the country. These zones are selected by analysing historical collision data and through feedback from local communities concerned about road safety.
kildare-nationalist.ie
Cork’s expanded enforcement network reflects both county wide safety priorities and a broader national effort to curb dangerous driving behaviours as part of ongoing road safety initiatives. Members of the public who wish to flag local speed concerns are encouraged to liaise with their local Garda stations.
Kildare's Kfm
What This Means for Motorists
Motorists should expect increased monitoring in more locations across Cork from the New Year, with Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority urging drivers to adhere carefully to speed limits. Enforcement in newly designated zones is expected to include average and static cameras, with penalties for excess speed including Fixed Charge Notices and penalty points where appropriate echoing previous camera enforcement practices nationwide.
kildare-nationalist.ie
The Garda safety camera programme continues to evolve as part of a broader national road safety strategy designed to improve driver behaviour and protect vulnerable road users across Ireland.
Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk; 28 December 2025
Image Credit - Cork Beo