A WELL-KNOWN family business in Letterkenny has expressed frustrations at traffic problems and called for road works to be carried out at night.
Michael Friel Coaches of Newmills issued an appeal for an end to the “significant delays” and claimed the authorities “really need to consider the impact on ratepayers and businesses” and proposed that “better planning and timing could make a huge difference to everyone”.
A spokesperson for the long-running company said: “We don’t normally post or comment on traffic issues within Letterkenny town, as there are a lot of businesses in the town that rely on people coming in, and we believe that much of the negative publicity around traffic can, in turn, affect footfall for local shops and businesses.
“As we are all aware, the mornings and evenings tend to be the worst, with traffic often causing significant delays.
“During the day, however, traffic generally flows reasonably well without any major issues.
“The road between the bottom of Lurgybrack and Letterkenny Ready Mix was closed during the morning commute.
“We fully appreciate that essential roadworks have to be carried out, but surely works on such an important stretch of road should, where possible, be scheduled for nighttime or weekends when traffic volumes are much lower.”
A view of traffic congestion on Lurgybrack Road in Letterkenny recently. Photo: Brian McDaid.
He added: “Whoever approved this road closure really needs to consider the impact it has on the ratepayers and businesses of our great town.
“These are the people who contribute towards the upkeep of Letterkenny, sponsor local clubs and sports, and play a huge part in supporting the wider community.
“We understand that roadworks are necessary — but better planning and timing could make a huge difference to everyone who lives, works and does business in Letterkenny.”
The affected road, which is the L1114 between Lurgybrack and Cullion Road, was closed from Monday night into Tuesday.
UISCE EIREANN
National semi-State company Uisce Éireann, formerly Irish Water, was carrying out works on the road.
It stated that unforeseen difficulties led to the unscheduled closure.
The utility explained that the decision was made on health and safety grounds relating to the water infrastructure works.
Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann has separately vowed that it is “laying the foundations for Letterkenny’s future” due to new water mains on Lisnennan Road that will benefit the area for “years ahead.”
The company claimed that these works “will increase capacity and support housing delivery”.
A spokesperson said: “Families, businesses, and communities across Letterkenny will benefit from an important investment in the town’s water network, with work set to get underway next week to help support future growth and development.
“The project will see close to 1.4km of new water mains installed along the L1144 Lisnennan Road.
“Once complete, the upgrade will strengthen the local water network and help ensure it can meet the needs of the area as it grows in the years ahead.”