Councillor Kelly calls for works on Letterkenny ‘eyesore’ ahead of rally weekend

Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly has called for works to improve the appearance of a section of Ramelton Road in Letterkenny ahead of the Donegal International Rally.

The Fianna Fáil councillor raised the issue of the road’s current appearance at the Letterkenny-Milford MD meeting. He asked the council to “carry out improvement works between Ballyraine roundabout (Mount Errigal) and the old Creamery roundabout (Keys garage) as a matter of urgency.”

“The reason I brought this forward is nothing to do with active travel,” said Cllr Kelly. “This is going to be the main place for the rally. If you drive there at the minute, the shrubs and weeds are growing up and it's an eyesore.

“With the amount of visitors coming to Letterkenny, this is a matter of urgency. One thing I don't want to see is crowds coming in and the weeds growing up. I don't think it’s a big ask.”

Cllr Donal Coyle seconded the motion.

Cllr Gerry McMonagle said he would welcome the suggestion and mentioned that the islands of the roundabouts have already been painted.

David McIlwaine, Senior Executive Engineer, Roads said that the section of road is included in the Active Travel Scheme, which was awarded €1.58 million in funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

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“The tender process for this project is currently being finalised and it is programmed to commence the works before the end of the year,” he said.