A Donegal County Councillor asked members of the chamber today (Thurs) if there was “any point sitting at all” following what he claims is several broken promises to repair a dangerous road in Inishowen.
Cllr Bernard McGuinness was speaking at an Inishowen Municipal District meeting on Thursday afternoon over a dangerous subsidence on a road between Culfaff and Malin Head.
The Fine Gael Councillor directed his comments toward the council’s road department, who he says promised him in August 2019 that the road would be repaired on a temporary basis.
However, Roads Director, John Mc Laughlin, who inspected the road two weeks ago, confirmed that works would take place on November 15th this year.
When McLaughlin dismissed Cllr McGuinness fears over the state of the road, Cathaoirleach of Inishowen, Cllr Martin McDermott, refuted McLaughlin’s claims saying a motorcycle accident had taken place on the road on Sunday last.
Speaking during the meeting, Cllr McGuinness said: “Both of these roads are on bog but they have subsided.
“I was promised it would be done for the last two months and nothing has been done.
“There was no signage to warn drivers of the holes when it had near misses and accidents.
“Now, I have been told that the road will be fixed in November and I have to question whether there is any point in me sitting here at all?
“This road is very dangerous and I have gone to every length that I can and it has been completely inadequate.
“I have been told a new date for this repair and quite frankly, I don’t believe you. Why should I?
“I don’t know what I can do to emphasis this,” he added. “People come to me and I have to tell them that I’ve told the council, that they are well aware of it.
“And yet, not even a temporary job has been done and I know our own men from the council could do the job because they are excellent.
“There is someone blocking this and ordinary maintenance of roads in Inishowen is paramount to our job.”