A bridge in west Donegal that was destroyed when heavy rain had burst the banks of the nearby River Clady remains in a state of disrepair following heavy flooding in the area in August.
The news comes following yesterday’s (Tues) announced funding scheme for businesses in Donegal Town.
The details of the fund were announced by Minister Joe McHugh.
He said the key here is that this Government is responding quickly to people’s need.
However, local county councillor Micheal Mac Giolla Easbuig said while he welcomed the sanction for Donegal Town, the failure to allocate a special flood fund for residents in west Donegal in Tuesday’s budget showed the government’s ‘complete lack of respect’ for the people of the area.
Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig once again highlighted the O’Duibhir family situation, who awoke in August to find heavy rain had damaged a bridge that connected them to a main road in Gaoth Dobhair.
John ‘Mor’ O’Duibhir, who is in his 70s, requires constant care and receives three home helps to his home.
Speaking in August, Mr O’Duibhir’s son, Sean O’Duibhir, pleaded the government to fix the issue once and for all.
“We simply cannot get in or out in our cars. We’re trapped. My father receives visits from the home help services and they will not be able to drive here either.
“This has happened a few times before but this is the worst I have seen it. The bridge is completely gone.
“We need this fixed once and for all so that this does not happen.”
Speaking to Donegal Daily today (Weds), Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said: “Joe McHugh announced yesterday that funding was being allocated for Donegal Town and I think that is encouraging.
“But right now there are three houses, one with a man in a wheelchair and requires home help, and the others with young families and the state has not bothered themselves to come out and visit these families.
“They do not sympathise with their current situation and no action has been taken to help ease these families worries.
“There has been a temporary bridge put in place and that is okay for walking across but it’s simply not enough.
“If there was an ambulance needed to come across that bridge, it wouldn’t get across first of all, and it would be extremely dangerous for everybody involved.
“Not a single cent has been spent on that bridge and that is simply not good enough and it is unacceptable.
“It shows a complete lack of respect to everyone in west Donegal and especially to those families who need it the most.
“More has to be done. It is a disgrace,” he concluded.
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