By Dionne Meehan
A PETITION, set up calling for the Bonagee Link in Letterkenny to finally get off the ground, has racked up almost 800 signatures in just two weeks.
Aimed at addressing the congestion issues on the primary route in and out of Letterkenny, the petition was set up on October 26.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Bonagee Link Petitioner, Pauric Shevlin said the recent works which involved quite a substantial investment have been of little benefit to relieving the congestion with many feeling that things have got worse.
“Daily commutes have become a nightmare. The issue of congestion and a bridge over the Swilly, which has come to be known as the ‘Bonagee Link Bridge’, has been a topic of discussion as far back as the ‘80s-based on the feedback I have received to date.
“Due to same, I decided to proactively contribute to the needs of my local community and in that, the petition was born,” he said.
Motivated by concerns related to emergency response and safety, economic viability and tourism, as well as environmental and planning considerations, Pauric is hoping this project not only alleviates congestion but also has a positive impact on the well-being and development of the Letterkenny area.
“Traffic congestion on the primary route in and out of Letterkenny poses a significant threat to emergency response times and overall public safety in the region.
“These delays can have life-threatening consequences during critical situations,” he said.
As far as the economic well-being of the town goes, he said Letterkenny’s appeal to tourists is significantly affected by the congestion issue and the absence of the Bonagee Link Bridge.
“Congestion leads to extended commuting times, which may disrupt business operations and hamper economic growth.
“It may discourage investment in the region and affect the livelihoods of local residents.
“Letterkenny and its surroundings has immense tourism potential, however, traffic congestion may discourage tourists, impacting on the local economy.
“Enhancing infrastructure with the Bonagee Link Bridge can potentially improve the tourism experience, attracting more visitors and supporting local businesses,” he said.
Also discussing the environmental impact of congestion, Pauric said this issue contributes to higher levels of air pollution and carbon emissions due to prolonged idling and slow-moving traffic.
“Addressing congestion with the Bonagee Link Bridge project could help Letterkenny become more energy efficient therefore we would be making a greater contribution in the reduction of the overall environmental footprint of transportation,” he said.
Holding the promise of resolving several pressing concerns, Pauric said the Bonagee Link Bridge project offers hope for mitigating the challenges the area faces.
Welcoming the petition, Councillor Donal Coyle said there is only one thing that will solve the traffic problem in Letterkenny and that is the Bonagee Link Bridge.
“There is no doubt about it, the traffic lights at the Polestar will not solve the traffic problem,” he said.
Running the same petition four and a half years ago before the last local election, Cllr Coyle managed to rack up a whopping 3,244 signatures in a short period of time.
“The canvassing team that I had went door to door with the petition.
“That is back nearly four and a half years ago and the demand for the Bonagee Link was very aware at that time,” he said.
Describing the Bonagee Link as being an “integral” part of the Ten T project, Cllr Coyle said realistically it will be at least five to six years at the minimum before we see a bridge.
“At the minute the business plan has gone to the Department of Transport.
“When they have the examination of the business plan done, that will be presented to cabinet and I am hoping that will be done in the first quarter of next year.
“I would be quietly confident that the cabinet will give its approval,” he said.
If approval is granted by the cabinet, the project will then proceed to the planning stage before the detail and design process is carried out.
The petition can be accessed at https://www.change.org/
BonageeLinkBridge and at #BonageeLinkBridge on any social media platform.
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