CONCERNS have been raised over the failure to complete key footpath sections on the N56 at Glenties.
Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Carr expressed serious disappointment and warned that pedestrians and schoolchildren are being forced onto the live carriageway due to the unfinished works.
Speaking following this week’s a meeting of the Glenties Municipal District, Cllr Carr said:
“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.
“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. My party colleague, Deputy Pearse Doherty has also raised the matter with the Minister for Infrastructure.
“There is huge frustration locally that such a relatively small section remains outstanding despite the obvious safety implications.
“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.”