There are calls for a safety audit to form real solutions to a dangerous part of road in the Oldtown area of Letterkenny.
A portion of the road past Citadel Gymnastics and across from James Larkin Court has no footpath for pedestrians – forcing them to move into the line of traffic to get around a private property.
Mayor of Letterkenny Gerry McMonagle says it’s time that a safety audit is carried out to create a report with possible options.
Cllr McMonagle told today’s meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District that the road is getting busier, creating a “very dangerous scenario” for young people, the elderly and people who use wheelchairs.
Cllr McMonagle said that despite the issue being raised in the past, no solutions have been found.
“It’s fine encouraging people to get out of their cars and walk when you have proper footpaths but this is too narrow. I’m asking that we seriously look at this and bring forward some proposals,” Cllr McMonagle said.
He pointed out that the area contains a number of convenience stores, council estates and is the main road to Lismoanghan, Rahan and Leck Graveyard.
Cllr Gerry McMonagle has called on the Letterkenny Roads Section to carry out a safety Audit on the Oldtown Road in relation to Pedestrian Safety and accessibility
Cllr McMonagle added: “I don’t think it would do any harm to talk to the house owner there and see if is there a solution, temporarily or not, in relation to the garden.”
Cllr McMonagle commented that he spoke to the householder who is open to a discussion with the council.
A spokesperson for the council has agreed to assess the area for possible solutions when resources are available.
While there is no funding currently available, Roads Engineer David McElwaine said that the southern relief network will increase the options for solving the problem.
