Transport Minister Invited to Witness Urgent Traffic Crisis in Letterkenny

UPDATE: The Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District of Donegal County Council has officially invited Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien to visit Letterkenny and confront the town’s escalating traffic crisis. The invitation comes following a motion from Councillor Gerry McMonagle during a council meeting earlier today.

The urgent request highlights the pressing need for substantial road infrastructure improvements in Letterkenny, where traffic congestion now poses a significant barrier to economic growth. Councillor McMonagle emphasized, “There is no better way for a Minister to learn about what is happening in a county than to visit themselves.”

The council is advocating for immediate investments in key projects, including the €20 million Northern Relief Road, which aims to alleviate chronic delays on major routes. “This amount is just a drop in the ocean for the Department of Transport,” McMonagle stated, stressing that the relief roads should be developed alongside the strategic TEN-T road network.

Cllr Michael McBride echoed these sentiments, noting that “time is not on our side” as residents face severe tailbacks daily. He warned that Letterkenny’s economic viability depends on resolving these traffic issues, stating, “If any company considers setting up in Letterkenny, poor infrastructure will deter them.”

The call for Minister O’Brien’s visit received backing from Mayor Ciaran Brogan, who suggested that the council first meet with senior executives to ensure all major road projects are prioritized appropriately. “If the Minister came tomorrow, I don’t think that would work. We need to sit down with everyone at senior levels before he arrives,” Brogan urged.

In a related initiative, Brogan proposed a meeting with the National Transport Authority to urgently discuss future plans for Letterkenny, emphasizing that “Letterkenny is a national growth centre” and requires immediate attention on infrastructure projects, including the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).

This urgent appeal for action comes as the council grapples with ongoing traffic issues that have persisted for years, impacting daily commutes and hindering economic opportunities. The situation demands swift governmental response to foster a more viable environment for businesses and residents alike.

As the council prepares to engage with Minister O’Brien, all eyes will be on the developments in Letterkenny, with hopes that these critical conversations will lead to the necessary funding and infrastructure improvements needed to transform the town’s traffic landscape.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as officials aim to tackle the pressing challenges facing Letterkenny’s roads.