Concerned residents of Letterkenny are calling for an end to delays on the Bonagee Link project, saying that the nightmarish commutes must end now.
Bumper-to-bumper traffic in the town at peak times has led to a new petition for a bridge across the River Swilly to be prioritised and funded urgently.
The petition by local man Pauric Shevlin seeks to make Letterkenny a safer and more efficient place for all.
Many commuters from Derry travel through Letterkenny on a daily basis for work or see family relatives.
So far, almost 600 people have signed the petition to the Department of Transport, TII and Donegal County Council.
Comments from members of the public include: “Traffic in Letterkenny is currently atrocious.”
Another person stated: “About time something meaningful was done to resolve this pitiful situation.
“Says so much about the government’s lack of commitment to this area that this bridge has never been funded, considering also that we have no train infrastructure either.”
A local resident said: “I live on Ramelton Road, and the current traffic situation is untenable. The bridge should have been built 30 years ago.”
Pauric writes that the delay on the project is harming businesses and livelihoods of people living and working in Letterkenny. He also states that emergency services, such as fire departments, ambulance services, and law enforcement have been challenged by congested roads.
The campaign states: “The delayed construction of the Bonagee Link Bridge in Letterkenny not only affects the convenience of residents and the town’s economic development but also has a direct impact on the ability of emergency services to fulfil their critical role. It underscores the urgency of addressing this infrastructure issue to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
In conclusion, the protracted wait for the Bonagee Link Bridge has had a substantial and detrimental impact on the residents of Letterkenny, the town’s economic prospects, and the broader region of Donegal. It remains a pressing issue that calls for urgent attention and resolution to unlock the potential benefits for the community and the county as a whole.
“Therefore, we call upon our government representatives and local council members to take immediate action on this matter.”
The Bonagee link bridge has been proposed as a relief road from Ballyraine to Bonagee and is included under the Ten-T project. Work began on the project in 2017.
It’s four years since a similar ‘Build Now’ petition was launched by Cllr Donal Coyle during his local election campaign.
Donegal County Council issued a statement this week to say that traffic congestion in Letterkenny “cannot be resolved by Traffic signalisation alone”.
Following the switch-on of the Polestar traffic lights last month, residents have complained of persistent delays at peak times.
A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said that the signalisation works at the Polestar will help provide assurance, reliability and greater safety for all road users, “only significant new infrastructure such as the Ten-T Project and others can hope to resolve the peak time congestion issues within the town”.
The TEN-T Project includes three schemes which are being collectively brought together to An Bord Pleanála for development consent. The Ballybofey and Stranorlar bypass and the N14 Manorcunningham to Lifford/Strabane/A5 Link are also part of the major Priority Route Improvement Project.
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