'Scandalous' state of Four Lane route highlighted by Letterkenny Councillor

A Donegal County Councillor has hit out over the lack of regular maintenance on the Four Lane route in Letterkenny.

The paths, cycleway and landscaping of the multi-million N56 roadway came under the spotlight after being described as “scandalous” by Cllr Donal Coyle this week.

Cllr Coyle raised the issues at Tuesday’s meeting of Letterkenny Municipal District, acknowledging that some action was taken last week.

“I'm glad to report there has been a very good cleanup done last week on the weeds growing along the footpath,” Cllr Coyle said. “It was absolutely diabolical that the main thoroughfare into Letterkenny looked so disgraceful.”

Cllr Coyle called for a sweeper to be contracted to clear the cycle path regularly. “It's not being used by cyclists, because they can’t use it because of the debris,” he said.

Cllr Coyle also pointed out that the trees in the centre of the carriageway are dying and the grass is “nearly as tall as the trees”.

He urged the council to seek more funding from the TII to maintain this section of road.

Councillors were told that representations will be made and that “the road was handed over to Donegal County Council with the issue of the Completion Certificate in December 2023 and maintenance has been programmed in accordance with the funding that is available.”

A spokesperson for the council added that “the Defects Period for the N56 Four Lane Road Contract works is due to expire in December 2024. At this point the Defects Certificate is due to be issued.defects and other matters including safety and maintenance file and any other contract issues arising are still being actioned by the Contractor.”