Missing sections of Glenties footpath ‘pose a danger to pedestrians and cyclists’
Concerns have been expressed regarding the incomplete footpath on the N56 at Glenties.
The safety issues were raised by Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Carr at the May meeting of the Glenties Municipal District.
After receiving correspondence that the N56 Letterilly to Kilraine has been completed, Cllr Carr highlighted that the project will not be completed until the footpaths are done.
“Despite the significant investment made in upgrading the N56, there are still two critical missing sections of footpath on the Kilraine side of Glenties that continue to pose a serious danger to pedestrians and cyclists,” he said. “These gaps may only total around 150 metres, but they force people, including children travelling to and from school, directly onto the live N56 carriageway and into oncoming traffic.
“It is simply unacceptable that after such a major infrastructure project, residents are still being left in a situation where they have to walk on the road because safe pedestrian access has not been completed.
“You can actually travel almost 30 kilometres from Dungloe to Kilraine Junction on dedicated footpaths and cycle facilities, apart from these final unfinished sections approaching Glenties. That undermines the continuity and effectiveness of the entire project.
“The original plans did include these footpaths, but they were later removed due to cost constraints. I have previously raised this issue with the council and with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, who are in charge of the project.”
Sinn Féin's Deputy Dáil Leader, Finance Spokesperson and TD for Donegal, Pearse Doherty, has raised the concerns with the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, TD and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
“There is huge frustration locally that such a relatively small section remains outstanding despite the obvious safety implications,” Cllr Carr continues. “The design work has already been completed and it appears that the main barriers are funding and securing a narrow strip of land. These are issues that must now be resolved as a matter of urgency.
“Even a temporary measure such as a gravel path would be a major improvement and would immediately reduce the danger facing pedestrians.
“We cannot continue waiting until somebody is seriously injured before action is taken. These missing links need to be prioritised and completed as quickly as possible.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme