Councils across the country are being asked whether speed limits in built up areas are safe for children.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe wants local authorities to examine whether lower limits would help prevent road accidents in and around housing estates.

Mr Donohoe says he is in favour of a 30 kilometre an hour limit in estates, but only councils currently have the power to set limits.

It follows on from a number of meetings with the Jake's Legacy campaign for road safety measures in housing estates.

It is named after Jake Brennan (6), who died in a fatal road collision outside his family home in Kilkenny.

A circular sent to councils sets out the results of a recent survey carried out by the Department of Transport - the aim of which was to determine the use of traffic calming measures.

It also reiterates existing policy and requires local authorities to undertake a review to see whether or not appropriate speed limits are in place.

Mr Donohoe said: "Having met with the Jake's Legacy campaign a number of times since Jake's tragic death, myself and my departmental officials have been working to identify the most effective ways of keeping all children safe while they are at play in their local area."

"This circular aims to set local authorities on a path to determine whether or not residents feel measures should be adopted to reduce the speeds being reached by motorists driving in and around their local area."

"The most important objective is to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and especially children, and the department sees the increased use of a 30km/h speed limit in residential areas as a measure that will help to achieve that objective," he added.