Businesses in Letterkenny are feeling the negative impact of incorrect roadwork signage during Irish Water’s upgrade of the town’s sewerage scheme.
Pipe laying works around the Circular Road have sparked confusion in the area, where signs state that there are road closures while the road is actually open to traffic.
Letterkenny Cllr Gerry McMonagle said the issue is a very pressing problem for local businesses and residents.
He is calling for Irish Water to meet with Letterkenny Municipal District councillors to give a presentation and update on ongoing works and their plans for work in the Leck and South Letterkenny region.
Cllr McMonagle said the lack of face-to-face communication between Irish Water and the public is ‘not good enough’.
He said: “There are thousands of people that are going to be affected by this on a daily basis for at least six months.”
Cllr McMonagle pointed out the many businesses and the large supermarket that stand to be affected by future roadworks.
He said: “There are hundreds of jobs at stake here and we need to do whatever we can to reassure businesses and people that they can go about their daily businesses.
“Irish Water’s way of engaging is letters and signs – not doing face-to-face conversations until the last minute is not good enough.”
Cllr McMonagle also criticised the current situation on the Circular Road, near Letterkenny University Hospital.
“Already there is no impression that the Circular Road is not closed. There is traffic management in place, the businesses are open, but the signs around suggest it is closed. We need to get that changed ASAP.”
Cllr Ciaran Brogan added that Donegal County Council’s monthly plenary meetings with Irish Water representatives are not practical. He called on the council to appoint a dedicated liaison officer to allow members to raise issues with the water authority directly.
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