By Emma Ryan
THERE have been calls for works to be carried out at an accident blackspot in Letterkenny which has been the scene of seven collisions in two years.
At last week’s meeting of Letterkenny Milford MD, Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh asked the Council to apply for funding for further safety measures at Kiltoy/Golf Course Road due to the number of accidents occurring there.
Cllr Kavanagh said a number of residents have been in contact about the several accidents in the area.
“There has been two very recently – one of them was quite bad,” he said.
“There was work done in 2022 and residents are happy with the work as it made it more safe and is appreciated but these accidents seem to be continuing to happen.
“If the council could go out and look at the area, look at speeding and an island to cross the road.
“Due to the number of small accidents, I think we could look at it again,” said Cllr Kavanagh.
A motion of a similar nature was also submitted by Cllr Donal Coyle.
He said the fact two members had submitted a motion highlights the need for safety measures to be introduced.
Cllr Coyle said there had been seven accidents in two years in the area.
“There has been at least seven accidents in the past two years at the junction there and there was an accident there just two weeks ago.
“I was wondering if a variable message sign could be put in place.
“A flashing sign showing people’s speed tends to slow them down.
“It is an 80km speed limit but the speed limit should be reduced to 60.
“I would be hoping because of the serious accidents that have happened particularly in Tipperary with a number of people losing their lives, the government is now looking at reducing speed limits especially on roads like the Ramelton road,” said Cllr Coyle.
Senior Executive Engineer at Donegal County Council David McIlwaine said they will look into the area and speak to Gardaí.
“The sign is an option, if the speed guidelines were to change, we would review them,” he said.
A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said, “A low-cost accident scheme was completed at this location in 2022.
“These works involved tightening the radius of the junction and creating a safe location for pedestrians waiting for buses.
“There is currently no funding available for any further works at this location.
“Discussions will be held with An Garda Síochana to identify the causes of recent incidents that have occurred at this location.”
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