Safety fears as Letterkenny congestion means more traffic onto Rahan Road

A country road in Letterkenny has become a ‘main arterial’ route to and from the town due to the ongoing traffic congestion.

There are calls for safety measures to be introduced on the Rahan road.

Councillor Gerry McMonagle proposed a motion at the latest meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District asking that traffic calming measures be installed ‘in the interest of road and pedestrian safety’.

Donegal County Council said it will make arrangements to carry out a safety assessment on the road.

“If considering necessary funding opportunities will be sought to introduce possible speed reduction measures,” the Council said.

Over 200 Ukrainian refugees in Donegal availing of ‘Offer A Home’ scheme

Sixty-one properties are currently under the scheme and there are over 400 families who are looking for properties in Donegal

“Kids are crisscrossing the road here,” Councillor McMonagle said, moving the motion. “It is one of the escape roads in busy times, especially in the mornings and afternoons.

“There is a lot more traffic on it than was meant for it. It is a country road that has become one of the main arterial routes.

“Cars travel at phenomenal seeds coming down the hill, and indeed up the hill. Parents are worried and have asked that it be looked at.”

Councillor McMonagle said it was vital to address the issue ‘before an accident happens, rather than after’.

Councillor Donal Coyle, seconding the motion’ said the road is question has become ‘very, very dangerous’.

David McIlwaine, a senior executive engineer for Donegal County Council, told the meeting that the road is unlikely to be suitable for the installation of speed ramps, but said the narrowing of the road or a crossing point could help solve the problem.

“We will have a full look at the solutions,” he said.