Councillors Urge Funding Diversion to Complete LK Green Connect Path

Local councillors in Letterkenny are advocating for the redirection of funding from Active Travel schemes to expedite the completion of the LK Green Connect walking and cycling route. The project, which began in 2022, has thus far completed only 230 meters at the Public Services Centre. Local leaders are expressing concerns about the project’s slow progress and its future viability.

Funding Proposal to Enhance Active Travel Routes

At a recent meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Councillor Gerry McMonagle proposed that the local authority adopt a more creative approach to ensure projects reach completion. McMonagle’s motion, presented on Tuesday, emphasized the potential benefits of collaboration between the Active Travel and Regeneration teams to secure funding for the LK Green Connect route, which he characterized as an essential active travel initiative.

The LK Green Connect scheme aims to establish a network of transformative walking and cycling paths, enhancing public infrastructure in the town center. Future developments are intended to connect the Joe Bonnar Road to Pearse Road, linking various retail parks and the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) to the Port Road through the former ESB lands, which will house the Alpha and Beta Innovation Centres.

Concerns about the project’s status were echoed by Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh, who noted that residents are increasingly questioning the purpose and timeline of the initiative. “People are asking what it is and what’s it for? We need to look at every idea and ensure this stays high on the agenda,” Kavanagh stated.

Council’s Response and Funding Allocation

In response to the councillors’ concerns, Donegal County Council clarified that all National Transport Authority (NTA) active travel funding for Letterkenny is already allocated for the next four years, totaling approximately €4.5 million annually. The council assured that the Regeneration Team will continue to seek additional funding opportunities beyond existing regeneration programmes, such as the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

Currently, there are 11 active travel projects underway in Letterkenny, with a combined investment expected to reach around €35 million upon completion. Despite the enthusiasm for the LK Green Connect initiative, a spokesperson for the council indicated that there is no capacity within the existing funding streams to support further development of this specific project at this time. “Unfortunately, there will be no capacity within the current funding stream under either NTA or TII Active Travel funding to support LK Green Connect 2,” the spokesperson noted.

Nonetheless, they acknowledged that a review could be conducted if the NTA or the Department of Transport (DOT) indicates increased funding opportunities, particularly if it is determined that the LK Green Connect 2 project aligns with those funding criteria.

The ongoing dialogue among local officials highlights the importance of active travel infrastructure in promoting sustainable transportation options and enhancing community connectivity in Letterkenny.