Calls for safety works in Bruckless after elderly woman is struck by vehicle

A woman in her seventies was injured after being struck by a car in Bruckless, leading to fresh calls for road safety concerns to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

The incident occurred between 6.10pm and 6.20pm on the N56 in Bruckless village. The woman was brought to hospital with injuries which are described by gardaí as ‘serious but non life-threatening.’

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Bruckless native Cllr Manus Boyle told Donegal Live: “You have an area of the road that is marked red for people to cross, but it is not a pedestrian crossing, and cars can come along there very fast. It is very worrying. You have elderly people and young children crossing the road to the shop. Local people know to slow down coming around the corner but some drivers come along there very fast and they are not expecting people to be on the road.

“I spoke to [Donegal County Council's Area Roads Officer] Mark Sweeney to try and get traffic lights for people crossing the road in Bruckless.”

The councillor said that Mr Sweeney told him that there was an application in place to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for a proper bus stop and a bus shelter for schoolchildren.

“He said it could be expanded to include a pedestrian crossing,” said Cllr Boyle.

“I will be pushing for traffic lights, but even a proper, well-lit pedestrian crossing would be an improvement, and the minimum that is needed.

“It is not so bad in the summer but these dark winter evenings, a driver can very easily come upon someone crossing the road and not see them till it is too late.

“It is at a whole new level of concern now that there was a serious incident there.”

The N56 runs through the village of Bruckless, leading to a number of road safety danger zones. Several roads converge at the service station and shop. And the church car park is located across the main road from the church, meaning many church goers have to cross the N56. This is also at a junction which leads to the school, church and community centre, as well as a residential area. 

Nearby Dunkineely faces similar problems, with the N56 being the main street of the village. 

“We all know the terrible situation at the school in Dunkineely,” said Cllr Boyle. “I am forever shouting about that, trying to get it sorted and it is very frustrating. Everything takes so long.”

The councillor is calling for the area to be given urgent attention, given the spate of recent road traffic collisions.

“There have been five accidents between Inver and Bruckless since I became a councillor five months ago,” he said. “One of them sadly was a fatality. 

“You have a great road out from Donegal Town to Inver Bridge, and that is fantastic to see. The problem is that it all narrows in after that, but the traffic doesn’t slow down. 

“There was a crash at Killaghtee recently, and one near Inver Community Centre where thankfully no-one was hurt.

“This whole area needs to be looked at urgently.” 

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the incident in Bruckless where the female pedestrian was injured. 

Anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone with a dashcam and who travelled through the area between  6pm and 6.25pm is asked to get in touch.

Gardaí can be contacted in relation to the incident on 071 9858530. The Garda Confidential line may be reached on 1800 666 111.