Near misses at traffic island sparks call for better lighting

Motorists on one of Letterkenny’s busiest roads have had some near misses due to a poorly-lit traffic island, according to Cllr Gerry McMonagle.

Cllr McMonagle has called for extra lighting to be added to the island at the old Reid’s filling station leading to the Canal Road (pictured above). The issue was raised at this month’s Letterkenny Municipal District meeting on Tuesday.

Cllr McMonagle said: “A number of people have approached me about near misses and slamming on the brakes when they get to this junction.

“For people who do not know the area, you don’t see the traffic island until the last possible moment. There are trees coming down on the right side that stop light coming down to the island.”

Cllr McMonagle also called for more reflective signs to be placed in the area to make it more visible at night.

The Letterkenny MD Roads Department confirmed that the trees in question would be removed to increase the current lighting. Area Manager Fergal Doherty added that the current lights on the Pearse Road are due to be upgraded to LED bulbs as part of an ongoing programme. He said he would not advocate putting up new lights until the programme is completed.

Cllr McMonagle has welcomed the response, adding that LED lights are more efficient because they shine directly downwards onto the road. It is hoped that the bulb replacement will improve visibility at the traffic island.