A councillors claims Letterkenny needs three new bridges over the Swilly in order to solve the traffic congestion that is choking the town.
The call came from Councillor Gerry McMonagle at today’s meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District.
“It’s not one bridge we need (at Bonagee), there are three new bridges needed in this town,” he claimed.
“Those bridges will totally change the traffic congestion issue in the town.”
Cllr McMonagle was speaking during a motion on traffic congestion which was proposed by Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly.
His motion called for a special workshop of all roads services, senior management and design teams to establish a realistic solution as a matter of urgency. A meeting was held in December, however, Cllr Kelly said ‘we are still no further forward’.
“The traffic situation is shocking in the town at the moment, particularly in the morning and evening time. People are fed up,” Cllr Kelly said.
“Businesses are suffering too and shoppers are heading across the border. We need a bridge over the Swilly as well as the Bonagee Link Road, without a doubt. Millions being spent on the Four Lane project, but that won’t make a difference. Those traffic lights (at The Clanree), when commissioned, will only add to the problem.”
Cllr Liam Blaney said it took him 35 mins to get from Woodland NS to the Letterkenny Public Services Centre today.
“That journey would normally only take around five minutes,” he said.
Cllr Ciaran Brogan claimed there was a ‘lack of commitment’ from the senior council executive in Lifford in relation to Letterkenny.
“Letterkenny is the economic hub of the county,” Cllr Brogan said.
Council Roads Engineer, Mr David McElwee, said he will seek a meeting with those involved in the different planned road schemes.
“These things take time and there’s no easy solution,” he added.
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