by Kate Heaney
TRAFFIC jams in Rathmullan as work progresses on refurbishment of the pier requires a one way system, a local councillor has said.
Speaking at the latest Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District meeting, Councillor Pauric McGarvey appealed for such a system for the village for the remainder of the summer, as the area was “jammed up with queues” for the ferry and workers on the pier needing an area to park.
“I have been speaking to gardai and they agree that a one-way system is badly needed. A permanent one-way system is planned after the works but we need it now even as a temporary measure,” he said.
Cllr Liam Blaney seconded the motion, saying there was a lot of heavy machinery as well as the men working there and there is difficulty parking in the town.
“I support his call for a one-way system. If people are following a Satnav it is turning people away from the village towards Knockalla.
“There was a trial run earlier this year to take people into town and that was successful and gave us the idea that a one way system will work.
Such a system is usually clockwise but this one is anticlockwise. Lets see which way it works,” he added.
Roads Engineer, David McIlwaine pointed out to the meeting that the council have the power to put in placer a one-way system as long as they go through the Gardai. Cllr McGarvey said he had already spoken with Gardai and said that they had agreed to the measure.
In their written response, the roads team said funding is required to advance the project.
“In order for the Roads Department to put in place the one-way system requires the necessary planning process to be followed, notifications given, approvals received and appropriate road marking and signage to be put in place.
Funding is required to advance this project and an allocation of €10,000 was received from the NTA in 2023. This process is currently being advanced through the Active Travel Team.
“A Temporary Traffic Management plan that involves a one-way system can be put in place by the Gardai and consultations can be had with the Gardai to establish if this is necessary and feasible.”
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