Community representatives in Glenties are calling on the council to take action to repair the Main Street and footpaths which are causing serious concern among local residents.
The Glenties Community Development Group has written to the Donegal National Roads Design Office, councillors and TDs about the current poor state of the road. The footpath is also a cause for concern, as at least two people have reportedly suffered falls on the uneven surface.
The open letter said that Main Street in Glenties has not been resurfaced in 20 years.
It said: “It was a source of disappointment to us to learn that no works were planned to the N56 within the 50kph speed limits of Glenties as part of the Letterilly to Kilraine section of the overall scheme which we believe is soon to go to tender. This is despite the fact that the condition of the wearing course of the Main Street is very poor both on the main carriageway and within the parking bays on either side.
“To our recollection the Main Street itself, being the section from the Highlands Hotel to the junction of the R250 Station Road, has not seen any resurfacing since the current surface was laid circa the year 2000 and the wear and tear of 20 years is now more than evident.”
The group added that the road over the bridge in the centre the town was left in an “appalling condition” following works carried out by Irish Water.
The letter continues: “We also have serious concerns over the footpaths either side of the street which are made up of bitumen with a red stone fleck through it, again the footpath surface has become excessively worn and broken and the red stone now protrudes upwards leaving an uneven surface and we have had reports of at least two people tripping on the uneven surface of the paths on the Main Street.”
The group is now seeking confirmation on whether any plans are in place to resurface the Main Street, footpaths, and the bridge. They are also pushing for pedestrian crossings to service the comprehensive at the Grotto and to address issues on the Mill Road along the front of the Church.
A meeting has been sought with community representatives and council officials to discuss concerns and proactive measures. “We do feel that an opportunity will be missed to address issues on the street if it is not included in the tender for the broader N56 scheme or if a separate scheme can not be brought forward to resurface the street,” they said.
The letter was signed by Richard Quigley, Secretary and Brian Carr, Chairman of Glenties Community Development Group and shared online on Wednesday.
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